HELENA – Carroll College is proud to announce that Kennedy Venner, a senior from Billings, MT, has been selected as one of just 15 students statewide to receive the 2025–26 George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship, awarded annually by the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement.
The $1,000 scholarship recognizes outstanding college student volunteers across Montana who demonstrate exemplary civic leadership and a deep commitment to strengthening their communities. Established in honor of the late University of Montana President George M. Dennison, a founding leader of Montana Campus Compact more than thirty years ago, the scholarship reflects his belief in higher education as a force for civic and community engagement.
Kennedy has contributed more than 140 hours of service across three primary areas: providing adaptive educational support to elementary students with disabilities; serving as President of Carroll’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, where she launched a Mental Health Awareness Week and helped coordinate blood drives and community food initiatives; and coaching middle and high school softball and basketball players in Billings. Her work spans advocacy, athletics, and inclusive education, reflecting a broad and sustained commitment to service.
“Reading these scholarship applications is simultaneously one of the most inspiring and difficult things we do all year,” said Josh Vanek with the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement. “It gives me enormous hope that we have truly amazing problem solvers in every community in our state.”
Each year, the Dennison Scholarship honors students across Montana who make significant contributions to civic life while maintaining their academic studies. Service in Montana takes many forms, from informal, neighborly acts and church-based outreach to leadership in nonprofit organizations, student groups, and campus initiatives. Recipients exemplify the many ways students strengthen communities across the state.
In addition to this award, Kennedy was recognized as a 2025 Montana Athletes in Service recipient in November, and in 2024, she was a Carroll College Hunthausen Outstanding Citizenship Award Nominee.
For more information about the scholarship, visit mtengage.org.