CDA Regional Chamber 2024 Scholarship Program

COEUR d'ALENE — Chief J. Allan, Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, has announced for the third consecutive year that the Tribe will match each $1,000 scholarship donated to the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber Education Committee’s Annual Scholarship Program.

“Our Education Committee gets so excited each year to celebrate and honor graduating seniors as they move into the next chapter of their education. Through the Tribe’s contribution, we can greatly extend our reach, providing more of our local students the opportunity to further their education through trade school, college, or a university experience,” said Amy Voeller, co-chair of the CDA Regional Chamber Education Committee.

The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber Scholarship Program offers local businesses the opportunity to sponsor $1,000 scholarships awarded to high school seniors for post-secondary education. Historically, the chamber has given 3-5 scholarships annually, but in 2022, thanks to the generosity of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the landscape changed.

“Education has always been a top priority for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and in these uncertain times, it is even more critical to support our students. That is why the Tribe continues to step up and challenge the business community to join us in supporting our students,” said Allan.

Linda Coppess, president/CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, shared the remarkable progress made since the inception of the Tribe's challenge. 

“In 2022, after the Tribe’s first challenge, our members collectively raised $106,000 in scholarships for 52 student recipients. That number grew to $222,000 in 2023, where 70 students received $2,000 for their first year, and an additional $1,000 incentive to stay in school for their second year. I can’t wait to see what we can do together in 2024!”

Creating a stronger and more educated workforce is crucial for economic development and the future of the business community. Idaho has one of the lowest go-on rates in the nation. Coppess noted, “One of the top reasons why parents don’t encourage their children to think about post-secondary education is because they cannot afford to pay for them to go. These scholarships give hope! They help give our young people the means to further their education, thereby increasing their earning potential and the overall productivity of our region.”

She added, “100% of the proceeds are awarded to the recipients and given directly to their post-secondary school of choice. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is a visionary member and a long-standing partner when it comes to education. Each year, their commitment to ensuring our students have the opportunity to go on to a post-secondary education gets stronger. I am blown away by their vision and resolve for our kids and our future.”

So far in 2024, numerous Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber members have pledged support for the scholarship program:

Pledges of $1,000: Acrisure — Haddock and Associates; Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail; Avista; Avondale Dental Group; Beacon Clinic; Coeur d’Alene Tractor;  Human Rights Education Institution; Idaho Central Credit Union; Intermax; J.A. Bertsch Heating and Cooling; J-U-B, STRATA Geotech, Welch Comer; Kootenai County Democrats; Kootenai Electric Coop Foundation; Kootenai Health; Mountain West Bank; North Idaho Higher Education; Northwest Family Medicine; Northwest Specialty Hospital; NWSH/Pediatrics; NWSH/Urgent Care; Lakeland Immediate Care; Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine; Parker Subaru; Parker Toyota; Parkwood Business Properties; StanCraft Construction Group; STCU; TDS Telecom;  The North Idaho Investment Group; The Salvation Army Kroc Center; Thorco, Inc.; Welch. Comer and Associates, Inc. 

More pledges: CDA Regional Chamber Board, $3,000; Heritage Health, $3,000; Lola Hagadone Foundation, $2,100; Steve and Paige Leifer, $2,000. 

Coppess also stated “It’s not too late! If you are a business in our region, join us today and fund a $1,000 scholarship. Your investment will be matched by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, so not one, but two students can receive much-needed financial support for their education. We are hoping for 15 additional $1,000 scholarships so that we are able to make all 115 applicant’s dreams come true.”

Scholarships will be awarded at the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber Annual Scholarship Upbeat Breakfast, scheduled for Thursday, April 11, at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. There, students and their parents will have the unique opportunity to meet with key business leaders, hear from inspirational speakers, and receive their scholarship awards.