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Robert C. Currie Scholarships

About the Scholarship

The Robert C. Currie MTDA Student Scholarships honor graduating seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to expanding their educational horizons through online learning. Each spring, two Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) students are selected to receive a $500.00 award to support their transition into higher education.

To qualify for this scholarship, students must have successfully completed and passed at least four MTDA online courses during their high school career. Additionally, applicants must be graduating seniors who have been accepted into a Montana-based college or university, including public, private, or tribal institutions. This scholarship serves as both a reward for academic initiative and an investment in the future of Montana’s lifelong learners.

2026 Scholarship Opportunities

Dr. Jason Neiffer, the Montana Digital Academy Executive Director, invites the Class of 2026 to apply for the Robert C. Currie MTDA Student Scholarships!

This year’s scholarship applications are due on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:59pm.

For more information, please access the scholarship packet here: link.

About Robert Currie

Robert C. Currie served as the founding Executive Director of the Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) from 2010 to 2022. Under his visionary leadership, MTDA became a cornerstone of Montana’s educational landscape, providing tens of thousands of middle and high school students with access to high-quality online courses. A point of particular pride for Mr. Currie was ensuring that every course was taught by licensed Montana public school teachers, maintaining a local connection in a digital space.

In 2012, Mr. Currie expanded the Academy’s reach by launching EdReady in Montana. Supported by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, this initiative made Montana the first state in the nation to offer free, statewide math and English support to learners of all ages—from elementary students to adults. Beyond student success, he prioritized the professional growth of educators, providing essential training and resources to counselors, administrators, and teachers across hundreds of Montana institutions.

A Legacy of Leadership

Mr. Currie’s influence extended far beyond state lines. As a founding member and the first board president of the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA), he helped guide MTDA into a position of national prominence.

His distinguished career in education spans over five decades, beginning in Michigan as a high school English teacher and coach. Before moving into online learning in 2003 as the Executive Director of the Michigan Virtual School, he served in various leadership roles in public education.

The Robert C. Currie MTDA Student Scholarship honors this lifetime of service by supporting the next generation of Montana students as they pursue their own educational journeys.

Past Scholarship Winners

2025

Trysten Hannon – Browning High School

Callie Wood – Browning High School

2024

Emily Jehle – West Yellowstone High School

Jacob Lien – Wolf Point High School

2023

Aiden Agostinelli – Sentinal High School

Haley Jo de Montigny – Helena High School