 copy.jpg){kind=avatar}
10 Idaho Scholarships to Save You Thousands on College
What’s Covered:
Are you an Idaho student? If you’re planning on attending college and wondering how you can pay for it, look no further. Here are 10 scholarships for residents of your state.
10 Idaho Scholarships
1. Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
Amount: Up to $3,500 per year
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Must have a GPA of at least 2.7; must graduate from an Idaho high school or equivalent; must attend an eligible Idaho college or university (see website for list)
Application Requirements: Application form, FAFSA
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and the Idaho Legislature established the Opportunity Scholarship in an effort to remove barriers to higher education, toward the goal of contributing to a well-educated workforce. The need-based scholarship is renewable for up to four years.
2. Community Council of Idaho Hispanic Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: Low-income high school students or first-time college-bound Idaho residents
Application Requirements: Application, essay/personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, transcript, tax returns
The Community Council of Idaho awards this scholarship to nine deserving, low-income high school students or first-time college-bound Idahoans. In their essays, applicants should describe their educational and career goals, as well as their current involvement and future plans for involvement in their communities.
3. Idaho Community Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Varies
Application Requirements: Varies
ICF manages more than 50 scholarship funds of varying amounts. Some are designated for students or graduates of particular high schools or regions, and each scholarship has its individual eligibility criteria. Take a look at an overview of the opportunities available.
4. Idaho Pest Control Scholarship
Amount: $750
Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: High school seniors or college freshmen from Idaho
Application Requirements: Write about a good deed and play the Point Pest Control game
Here’s a unique premise for a scholarship: students are asked to do something good for another person and tell them to pass it on. Applicants receive bonus points for letting friends know about the scholarship. After finishing the deed and informing friends, applicants will play the Pointe Pest Control game and take a screenshot of their highest score to receive more bonus points. Winners receive a $750 scholarship.
5. 7X24 Exchange Rocky Mountain Chapter Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: N/A
Application Requirements: Application, essay
The 2022 7×24 Exchange Rocky Mountain Chapter Scholarship program offers awards to students pursuing an education in a mission-critical data center field of study. In their essays, applicants should describe their understanding of data centers and what they feel they can contribute to the industry.
6. GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship 2
Amount: Depends on fund availability
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Must be under age 22 at time of first award; must have participated in an Idaho GEAR UP program; must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be accepted to or enrolled in an eligible Idaho institution of higher education
Application Requirements: FAFSA, application
Students who have participated in an Idaho GEAR UP are eligible to earn a scholarship equal to the minimum Pell Grant award for the school year. This scholarship is renewable, with amounts varying based on fund availability.
7. Pride Foundation Scholarships
Amount: $1,000-$12,000
Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: Must reside in the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington) and show leadership in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community
Application Requirements: Application, transcripts, essay
Seattle’s Pride Foundation offers more than 50 scholarships to LGBTQ+ students. Each scholarship is designated for leaders in different specialties or demographics, such as the arts or STEM. The Foundation prioritizes student leaders who are most in need of financial support when offering the award.
8. Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating seniors or first-year students in a CTE; must have a minimum 2.8 GPA
Application Requirements: Essay; documentation of volunteer work, leadership, and public service
First established in 1974, this award is designated for students planning on attending an Idaho college or university. Scholarship decisions are based on demonstrated commitment to public service and 500-word personal essays about students’ goals and interests.
9. Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners
Amount: Up to $3,500 per year
Deadline: December 1 (Spring), March 15 (BYUI), April 15 (Summer), July 1 (Fall)
Eligibility: Student or graduate of an Idaho high school or equivalent
Application Requirements: FAFSA, application
This need-based award is available to students who are working toward an undergraduate degree or certificate, up to a first bachelor’s degree. Students must attend an eligible Idaho college or university. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years.
10. INBA Outreach Scholarship
Amount: $2,500-$5,000
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Must be from the Inland Northwest (eastern Washington, northern Idaho, or western Montana) and identify as GLBT, be a straight ally with involvement in the GLBTQA community, or have GLBT parents
Application Requirements: Varies
“We inspire the GLBTQA business professionals and leaders of the future.”
INBA Outreach, the philanthropic arm of the Inland Northwest Business Alliance, supports students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. These scholarships, awarded to members of the GLBT community, are highly competitive, with different requirements and amounts depending on the program.
Tips on Applying for Scholarships
1. Maximize institution-based aid.
Your best source of financial aid is the school you attend. Many institutions offer generous packages, including both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Before looking to outside organizations like the ones listed in this post, make sure you maximize the opportunities available at the college or university.
2. Target niche scholarships.
There are many scholarships designated for different niches — ethnicities, intended areas of study, accomplishments, and more. The narrower niche, the better chance you have of winning since the applicant pool is smaller than for those that welcome applications from all students.
3. Keep applying.
Apply for as many scholarships, particularly niche ones, as you can. This will maximize your chances of securing at least one award — and possibly several. This will offset the cost of your college education, and on the plus side, you don’t have to pay these awards back, unlike loans.
