

February 2025
Senior Countdown, Financial Aid & Scholarship Info
Need help with FAFSA?
The Federal Application For Student Aid is REQUIRED for many scholarship applications and institutional aid from colleges and universities. I would love to help you complete this application for your student. One parent account and one student account is required for completion. Please contact me if you would like to set up an application appointment or follow the link below to start your application!
Jessi Torrero
Counselor
Hansen School District
Rock Creek Fire Department Scholarship! Due on April 1st.
Three scholarships available $1000, $750, and $500!!! Contact kgoetz@rockcreekfiredistrict.com if you have questions or need a copy of the application.
GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship 3 - Less than 5 minute application!
- Applications are open October 1.
- For those who will graduate from an Idaho high school (see list) in 2024 or 2025 having participated in Gear Up between Fall 2019 – Spring 2025.
GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship
GEAR UP provides six-year grants to states to facilitate services and scholarships through the first year of college.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scholarship, a student must meet all of the following criteria:
- Applicants must have participated in an Idaho GEAR UP program during the grant years Fall 2019 – Spring 2025 at one of the following school districts:
Aberdeen
Marsing
American Falls
Meadows Valley
Blackfoot
Minidoka
Buhl
Nez Perce
Castleford
Notus
Clark County
Twin Falls
Culdesac
Salmon
Emmett
Sugar-Salem
Gooding
Hansen
Weiser
Homedale
Vallivue
Jerome
Weiser
Kellogg
Wendell
Lapwai
West Bonner County
- Applicants must possess a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
- Applicants must be accepted and enroll in a program of undergraduate instruction at an eligible institution of higher education that is located within Idaho’s boundaries. Eligible institutions include any Idaho public, regionally accredited institution under the general supervision and governance of the Idaho State Board of Education and any private, non-profit, regionally accredited institution, as listed below:
North Idaho College
Idaho State University
Lewis-Clark State College
BYU Idaho
College of Southern Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University
College of Eastern Idaho College
College of Idaho
University of Idaho
College of Western Idaho
Boise State University
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to March 1 of the graduation year.
- Eligible applicants may receive the scholarship for a maximum of four years (8 semesters) starting in the fall following their high school graduation. Any years not applied for will be forfeited.
- GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship Overview
GEAR UP Scholarship Amounts
Awards will vary based on the number of applicants and funds available on an annual basis.
For further details on eligibility and program administration please see the Federal Statute.
LAUNCH
What is LAUNCH?
Idaho LAUNCH is a grant program that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the published tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000. With approximately 75 million dollars available for Idaho LAUNCH funding, it is possible for this program to offer between 9,000 and 10,000 awards per year!
How much is available for students each year?
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 awarded amount (80% of tuition and fees up to $8,000) in one year.
Important Dates
- Idaho LAUNCH application opens: October 1
- Initial applications due: November 30
- Idaho LAUNCH application closes: April 15
- Career Pathway Plans due: May 31
- GED completed by: June 15
For questions, please email idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov or call 208-488-7575
For the FAQ on the Idaho LAUNCH Contingent Award Process, click here
Career Pathway Plan Information
Visit Next Steps Idaho to complete your plan!
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
The Idaho Opportunity scholarship is awarded to Idaho residents that have graduated, or will graduate, from an Idaho high school, Idaho home school, or who passes a GED/HSE test in Idaho. Applicants must have AT LEAST a 2.7 GPA. This scholarship is available to both new and renewal students.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) required by March 1.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: October 1, 2024
- Deadline to submit FAFSA: March 1, 2025
- Application closes: March 1, 2025
- Round 1 Official Offers sent via email: TBD
- Round 1 acceptance deadline: TBD
Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship | Academic
Open Since October 1, 2024
Description
The Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship is awarded to Idaho residents who graduated, or will graduate, from an Idaho high school or Idaho home school. Applicants must have AT LEAST a 2.8 GPA and enroll at an eligible Idaho college or university.
Eligibility Requirements
The Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship (Academic) awards up to $3,000 per academic year and is renewable for up to four years.
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of at least 2.8
Be an Idaho resident
Graduated or will graduate from an Idaho high school or Idaho home school
Must attend full-time during the upcoming academic year (fall semester)
Write a 500-word personal essay about your goals and interests
Submit documentation of volunteer work, community leadership, and public service
Submit two letters of recommendation
Must Attend one of these eligible Idaho colleges or universities