Attention students ages 16-19! The Teens 2 Trades “Tools for Teens” program is now accepting applications.

You could receive a $500 grant to purchase tools if you’re pursuing a career in construction trades (e.g., carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and live in Idaho. Teens2Trades

Interested students must submit a short essay, tool-list budget, financial-need statement, and more. Teens2Trades

Please see the detailed application and deadlines at: teens2trades.org/tool-grant

If you think a student qualifies, encourage them to apply today!

PRIORITY DEADLINE MOVED TO 12/5/2025! Submit your Idaho LAUNCH application by December 5, 2025to be considered for first-round awards—up to 80% tuition or $8,000! Even if you’re unsure of your plans, apply now. You can always decline later, but missing your contingent offer means losing the opportunity.

Students can now apply for on-campus housing at Lewis-Clark State College. Complete the housing application, sign the license agreement, and submit the $200 deposit to secure your spot.

Meal plans vary by hall and weekly meals.

Learn More / Apply: Housing Application

Questions? Call 208-792-2053 or email reslife@lcsc.edu

The final admission application deadline is December 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (MST). No extensions will be granted—submit on time!

Northwest Nazarene University is offering the First-Generation Excellence Scholarship, a four-year full tuition award for first-generation students starting college Fall 2026.

Finalist interviews: Early February

Recipients notified: End of February

Alyssa Gifford (now Haddock) is a proud Kuna High School graduate from the Class of 2021 and a 2024 graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Today, Alyssa serves as an Academic Advisor at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she helps students navigate their college journeys and discover their purpose. Although her original plan was medical school, Alyssa realized along the way that her true passion wasn’t in medicine—it was in helping others succeed. She credits Angelie Bauer, her dad, and her freshman academic advisor as major inspirations in helping her recognize that fulfillment comes from supporting others in finding their own direction and purpose.

Alyssa plans to continue her education in Spring 2026 by pursuing her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Leadership and Policy, followed by her Doctorate in the same field. Her career path was strongly influenced by her own college experience, especially taking dual credit courses in high school. While dual credit helped prepare her in many ways, it also made her college transition especially challenging. Those struggles became the very reason she wanted to work in higher education—so she could help students who face similar obstacles and guide them through the process with understanding and support.

Alyssa measures success not by titles or achievements, but by the lasting impact she makes on the people she serves. She is deeply committed to creating an environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and seen. One of the most meaningful parts of her work has been receiving personal messages from students thanking her for the encouragement and care they’ve felt through their interactions with her. To Alyssa, that feedback represents true success—empowering others and helping them move forward with confidence.

Her advice to students is simple but powerful: it’s okay if your original plan doesn’t work out. There’s a difference between things you’re passionate about and your true passion—and it’s your passion that will carry you through the hardest seasons of life. Alyssa credits her resilience, determination, and willingness to keep learning as key factors in her success. One of her greatest personal challenges was nearly dropping out of college after facing academic struggles for the first time in her life. It was during that difficult season that she realized she had been pursuing the wrong path. Even as a senior, she found the strength to push through, fueled by a new-found passion for working in higher education.

Some of Alyssa’s most meaningful memories from Kuna High School include meeting her best friend—who later became her maid of honor at her wedding. Even though they now live over 1,000 miles apart, they still talk every day. Outside of work, Alyssa and her husband are avid football fans. The motto she lives by is: “You should be a better person today than you were yesterday.”

No grades, essays, or test scores required! Just submit a 2-minute video sharing your dreams, goals, and how you’ll make a difference.

✅ Ages 16–26

✅ U.S. residents

✅ Planning to enroll (or currently enrolled) in an accredited postsecondary program

🗓️ Deadline: January 6, 2026

🔗 Learn more & apply: www.LiveMasScholarship.com

The Honors Graduation “Build A Better Future” Scholarship is now open!

🗓️ Key Dates:

🔗 Start your project & apply: https://www.honorsgraduation.com/graduation-scholarship.htm

Rising juniors and seniors: the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) lets eligible students from participating Western states pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at 170 public colleges—opening more out-of-state options at lower costs!

Learn more and access resources at wiche.edu/wue

Looking for ways to pay for college and gain valuable experience? The Idaho Army National Guard can help you do both!

✅ Tuition Assistance & Scholarships — Up to $20,000 toward your education

✅ Monthly Pay — Earn $350+ while serving

✅ Commitment — Only 2 days a month and 2 weeks in the summer

✅ Full-Time Student — The rest of the time, focus on your studies—without student debt!

Interested?

📞 Contact SSG Michael Torres at 208-576-0535 (text or call)

It’s a smart way to build your future, gain experience, and graduate debt-free!

Many companies offer tuition reimbursement, scholarships, or free college programs—a great way for high school seniors to earn income and support their education.

National Options: Starbucks, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Bank of America, FedEx, Comcast (tuition coverage up to 100% or $5,250+ per year).

Boise-Area Opportunities: Starbucks, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Target, Albertsons/Safeway, WinCo, Fred Meyer, Saint Alphonsus, Saint Luke’s Health System, and some local gyms/spas/salons.

💡 Tip: Ask about tuition assistance or scholarships when applying—some start on your first day! Check company websites for eligibility and application details.

🔍 Want to find more companies that pay for school?

Students can research online by searching for “tuition reimbursement programs”, “employee scholarships”, or “employer education benefits”. Check company websites or career pages for eligibility and application details.