Clearwater Scholarship Helps Montana Student Pursue Cybersecurity Degree

For one Clearwater Scholarship recipient, higher education is about more than earning a degree, it’s about creating opportunities for himself and others.

Originally from the Fort Belknap Reservation, Cheyne TalksDifferent, moved to Missoula to pursue a degree in cybersecurity at the University of Montana. His passion for computers and gaming sparked an early interest in technology, and he hopes to build a career that combines those interests while creating positive change in the communities he cares about most.

While leaving home to attend college opened new doors, it also came with challenges. Adjusting to a new city, managing expenses, and navigating the demands of higher education can create barriers for many students. Support from Clearwater’s Scholarship Program has helped ease some of those burdens.

“It really feels nice knowing that I have support from an organization like Clearwater because I already bank with them,” TalksDifferent said.

The scholarship helps cover essential expenses, allowing him to focus on what matters most: attending class, succeeding academically, and building a future.

“This support helps create more access and alleviate the financial stressors associated with college,” he shared.

For Clearwater, stories like his reflect the purpose behind the scholarship program—to help students from all backgrounds access educational opportunities and pursue their goals.

Education has the power to strengthen communities, expand possibilities, and create future leaders. By investing in students, Clearwater aims to help remove barriers that can stand in the way of academic success.

“We are underrepresented as a nation, and we deserve to obtain an education to make positive differences for our people,” TalksDifferent said.

As he works toward his degree, he is already thinking about how he can help others follow a similar path. One of his goals is to mentor students who may be considering college but feel uncertain about leaving home or navigating a new environment.

“Opportunities like this strengthen communities because support like this motivates people to obtain their goals and degrees,” he said. “It helps me become a role model for other students who might be nervous to move away from home.”

He hopes to eventually provide guidance and mentorship to young people pursuing higher education, helping them navigate the same challenges he has faced.

By supporting education, Clearwater is investing not only in individual students, but also in stronger communities, future leaders, and a more inclusive future for Montana