Idaho organizations are investing in students and communities statewide, from scholarships for kids with foster care backgrounds to grants supporting youth programs.
This week’s education roundup also includes free financial aid help for families, a summer learning camp for Idaho middle schoolers and a national honor for a Blackfoot speech and debate coach.
Freedom Youth Foundation awards thousands in scholarships
An Idaho nonprofit awarded $30,000 in scholarships to three young women from Idaho’s foster care community. The Freedom Youth Foundation held a ceremony on July 15 to honor the three recipients with $10,000 each.
Recipients completed a written application and personal interview.
The Empower Educational & Trade scholarships will help pay for college or trade school expenses.
Mary Irby, director of operations of Freedom Youth Foundation, said the three women represent determination.
“Each has overcome challenges, remained focused on their goals, and demonstrated incredible strength and perseverance,” Irby said. “We are honored to invest in their futures and excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and chosen careers.”
KeyBank awards grant to support youth program
KeyBank awarded a $20,000 grant to Breaking Chains Academy of Development, which is a nonprofit that provides mentoring and support services to at-risk youth in Canyon County. The organization runs the Youth Empowerment Project, serving around 100 kids annually.
The effort allows students to reengage in education, earn high school credit and prepare for the workforce.
Executive Director of Breaking Chains Academy Luis Granados thanked KeyBank for the investment.
“It allows us to continue providing the education, mentorship and critical resources our students need to overcome obstacles and build independent and successful futures,” Granados said.
State Board, NIC to offer free financial aid assistance
Those who need help navigating financial aid can attend a learning event hosted by North Idaho College and the Idaho State Board of Education.
The free financial aid assistance event is for students and families applying for the 2026-27 FAFSA or Idaho Launch program.
The session will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 27 at North Idaho College. It includes personalized help from financial aid experts.
Attendees should bring Social Security numbers for the student and parent. They should also present their FSA IDs and 2024 tax information.
Blackfoot High School head coach wins award
A Blackfoot High School coach won the National Speech and Debate Association Coach of the Year. She led the Blackfoot Broncos to a runner-up finish at the state tournament in just her first season.
Taylor Clapp, who took over the program with no previous coaching experience, also earned the Idaho Mountain River regional coach award before receiving the national honor.
She will be recognized at the 2026 Speech and Debate Tournament in Richmond, Va., and is leaving Blackfoot to become the speech and debate coach at Highland High School in Pocatello.
“Some of the local coaches have informed me no other professional from Idaho has ever won a national award from this organization,” Clapp told the Idaho State Journal. “I am honored to be the first of hopefully many more!”
Idaho students build leadership skills through summer institute
Forty students participated in the Idaho Department of Education’s Migrant Student Leadership Institute this summer, preparing for college through workshops on academic planning, career exploration and leadership development.
Participants also connected with peers and college students.
The free program included meals, transportation and opportunities for students to connect with peers and current college students. Boise State University and Idaho State University hosted this year’s sessions.
Click here for more on the state’s migrant education program.
