The state of Idaho often goes by its nicknames of the Gem State and the Spud State. If you live in Idaho and want to attend college or university then there is financial help and public education grants in Idaho available to make it easier on you and your family. In Idaho there are more scholarships than grants that are available to eligible students. If you peruse the financial aid programs that the state has to offer you should be able to find one that is suitable for you.
Idaho boosts three state universities, as well as five state colleges. It has four private universities and six private colleges. Boise State University is one of the most popular choices as it is located in the capital city of the state. However Idaho State University and the University of Idaho are two other popular choices. What should provide peace of mind is knowing that wherever you choose to obtain your post-secondary schooling there are state- funded programs to help lighten the financial load. It is the Idaho State Board of Education that is responsible for distributing the funds for all grants and scholarships, both for in-state students as well as students who decide to go out of the state to earn their degrees.
Leveraging Educational Assistance State Partnership Program (LEAP)
The Leveraging Educational Assistance State Partnership Program (LEAP) was established to attract students from other states to want to come to Idaho and attend the colleges and universities found there. LEAP was formerly called the Idaho State Student Incentive Grant and is awarded to out of state students who can demonstrate that they are financially in need of state money to help them to afford tuition and other related educational expenses. Those who qualify for this grant are eligible to receive up to $5,000 to help cover the cost of tuition at their schools of choice.
ARC of Washington Trust Fund Research Grant
Many grants are not aimed at graduate students but here is one that is. The ARC of Washington Trust Fund Research Grant provides stipends for upper division or graduate students who have shown a storing interest in the subject of mental retardation.
The money awarded from this grant is renewable for as long as the student continues his or her graduate studies. Those who wish to apply for money from this research grant must write a brief letter to the Trust and give an overview of what the planned proposal is and how it can further the purposes of the Trust. The applicant must also provide an estimate of how much money he or she would require to conduct the research.
If the research is in line with the Trust’s purposes then the Trust Board may request that the applicant draw up a formal grant proposal. You can submit a letter of intent any time throughout the calendar year. To learn more about the ARC of Washington Trust Fund Research Grant you should speak to someone in the financial aid office of the college or university you attend.
Idaho Minority and “At Risk” Student Scholarship
The Minority and “At Risk” Student Scholarship was developed by the Idaho Legislature to help talented students who are considered at risk of not being able to get a college or university education due to economic, physical or cultural circumstances (or a combination thereof). The maximum for this award is $3,000 per year and can be renewed for up to a period of four years.
In order to qualify for this scholarship you must be an Idaho resident and you must have graduated from a high school in Idaho. You also must be able to satisfy three out of the five criteria listed here:
• Have a disability
• Be a first generation college or university student
• Be an ethnic minority member who is under-represented in higher education (examples would include those who are Black Non-Hispanic, Hispanic or Native American).
• Be a migrant farm workers (or the dependent of one)
• Be able to demonstrate a strong need for financial assistance
Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship
The Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship offers 12 awards on a yearly basis to high school seniors from Idaho who have plans to attend a college or university in the Gem State. The number of awards that are given out to students is conditional and is based on how much money is available. The maximum amount of the award is $3,000 and can be renewed for up to four years for academic scholars and up to three years for professional-technical students.
