Idaho College Month Symbol

Idaho College Month

Idaho College Month can open the door for students by encouraging them to take the most significant steps toward college in their senior year. Idaho College Month emphasizes the relationship between applying to and paying for college by breaking down some of the most complex and commonly cited barriers students have when it comes to attending college. 

Throughout the month of October, the West Ada High Schools will host College Application Weeks to assist students with completing college applications, such as Apply Idaho. In addition, students will be presented information on Scholarship Idaho and how to apply for the state scholarships, such as Idaho Opportunity and Idaho Launch. With the assistance of counselors and college representatives, students will be provided the necessary guidance to assist them in applying for college. 

Renaissance High School will be hosting our College Application Week (CAW) October 7-10.  Seniors will be coming down during Senior English classes on October 9 and October 10. 

The following are just a few tasks seniors will complete during CAW:

  • Apply Idaho (or other College Application)

  • Scholarship Idaho and Scholarship Research

  • Request High School Transcripts - SCOIR

The goal is that every senior will apply to at least one college during the event. We realize not every student is college bound, but want to make sure they have options when the time comes to make those post-secondary decisions.  

What you need to know logo

Campus Choice Logo

At the end of September and early October, senior students throughout the state of Idaho received Idaho Campus Choice letters notifying them that they are guaranteed acceptance to specific state funded colleges in Idaho. Once a student is notified, they can complete an application through Apply Idaho. Students will be provided with time and assistance completing the Apply Idaho during College Application Week. 

Apply Idaho

Apply Idaho is a free, common application platform for up to 10 Idaho colleges and universities. The application opens in early October. Students will receive assistance with the Apply Idaho application during College Application Week (October 7-10).

scholarship idaho logo

Scholarship Idaho is the common application for state-managed scholarships and grant programs. Idaho Opportunity and Idaho Launch applications open in early October. Check Scholarship Idaho or Idaho State Board of Education for further details and information, as well as other Idaho scholarship opportunities! 

idaho opp scholarship

Eligible Institutions: 

Must attend one of the following Idaho 4-year college or university:  

  • Boise State University 

  • Brigham Young University–Idaho 

  • Idaho State University 

  • Lewis Clark State College 

  • Northwest Nazarene University 

  • The College of Idaho 

  • University of Idaho  

  • Western Governors University 

Amount: 

Up to $3,500 
Renewable up to 4 years  

Eligibility: 

  • Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of at least 2.7. 

  • Be an Idaho resident. 

  • Graduated or will graduate from an eligible Idaho high school, Idaho home school, or its equivalent (GED/HSE from Idaho) 

  • Must attend during the upcoming academic year (fall semester) 

  • Must pursue a first bachelor’s degree. 

  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 

 Application Process: 

1. Apply through Scholarship Idaho – Opens October 3rd  
2. Complete a FAFSA application by March 1. 

Deadline: March 1 

idaho launch logo

Eligible Institutions: 

Programs aligned to in-demand careers at the following: 

  • Idaho CTE Schools 

  • Workforce training opportunities through 2-year and 4-year colleges and private providers (i.e., CDL schools, Training Centers, etc.) 

Idaho 2-year Community College Academic Degrees 

  • Programs prioritized by in-demand careers before two-year academic degrees. 

Amount: 

This is a one-time benefit that provides a grant toward 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution up to a maximum of $8,000. 

Students can receive up to one-half of the initial grant award in the first year of a program. 
However, for programs that are less than 12 months in length, students can use the full award amount (80% of tuition and fees up to $8,000) in one year. 

Eligibility: 

  • Graduate from an Idaho High School or equivalent 

  • Be an Idaho resident. 

  • Be enrolled in or have applied to an in-demand career program at an eligible Idaho institution. 

  • Begin enrollment by Fall Semester after graduation. 

  • Complete Next Steps Idaho Career Pathway Plan 

  • Review the approved list of eligible in-demand careers 

 Application Process: 

1. Apply through Scholarship Idaho – Opens October 3rd  
2. Receive a Contingent Award Letter (the award is contingent upon meeting the eligibility requirements). 
3. Receive and accept the Final Award Letter, which is emailed through Scholarship Idaho after eligibility is verified. 

Deadline: April 15 

Questions? Email idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov