Visiting Naturalist in the Schools Scholarship Program Application

The Montana Natural History Center is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to promote and cultivate the appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature through education. We believe that natural history education and experiences should be available to everyone and we are committed to making our programs accessible to as many families, schools and individuals as possible. The Montana Natural History Center provides limited scholarship funds for schools that exhibit financial need to attend programs. Requests are based on availability and need on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Teachers interested in receiving a VNS scholarship for the 2022-2023 school year should complete and submit the VNS Registration form below by Monday, May 23rd. To apply for the scholarship with your registration please check the box, “I would like to apply for a VNS program scholarship.”

Please note that the actual cost of a VNS program, per class, is around $2000. The Montana Natural History Center fundraises to cover most of the cost per classroom, and schools are asked to pay the remaining $250 per class.

We have limited additional need-based scholarships available for schools with financial constraints. MNHC policy does not allow us to offer full (100%) scholarships, but we will do the best we can to make the program accessible to your school. Receiving scholarships for the same school, or class, for the same program in the future cannot be guaranteed. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Robinson at 406.327.0405 ext. 203 or jrobinson@montananaturalist.org.

We ask that all participating teachers agree to fully support the VNS  program through active involvement during monthly classroom visits with our naturalist.

2022-2023 Visiting Naturalist in the Schools Program Registration
Lead Teacher Name
Lead Teacher Name
First
Last
School Mailing Address
School Mailing Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Name of School Principal
Name of School Principal
First
Last
What grade(s)?
Use the drop-down to select the correct number of classes.
Second Teacher Name
Second Teacher Name
First
Last
Third Teacher Name
Third Teacher Name
First
Last
Fourth Teacher's Name
Fourth Teacher's Name
First
Last
Fifth Teacher's Name
Fifth Teacher's Name
First
Last
Sixth Teacher's Name
Sixth Teacher's Name
First
Last
Seventh Teacher's Name
Seventh Teacher's Name
First
Last
Who was/were your Teaching Naturalist(s) last year (or in a previous year)?
The Visiting Naturalist in the Schools Program has the most impact when classroom teachers participate actively in classes. This can include learning alongside your students, sharing your own knowledge and observations, participating in small group work, evaluating your students' VNS journals, and more. If you are unsure of how best to participate, or would like to learn more to help do so, feel free to contact us, or talk with your classroom naturalist!
*
The Montana Natural History Center is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to promote and cultivate the appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature through education. We believe that natural history education and experiences should be available to everyone and we are committed to making our programs accessible to as many families, schools and individuals as possible. The Montana Natural History Center provides limited scholarship funds for schools that exhibit financial need to attend programs. Requests are based on availability and need on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Are you a Title 1 School?
Do you have a PTA/PTO or other parent support organization that can help cover costs?
Have you received a VNS scholarship in the past?
I agree to the following:
Name of School Secretary (or person we should send program invoices to)
Name of School Secretary (or person we should send program invoices to)
First
Last
Mailing Address for Invoice (if different from school address)
Mailing Address for Invoice (if different from school address)
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal