NOV NIBJ: Scholarship program aids kids seeking post-high school education

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, along with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and 282 local businesses, has awarded over $1.37 million in scholarships and supported 645 students from 21 schools across North Idaho over the past five years. 

According to Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Linda Coppass, Idaho ranks 51st in the nation in per-student public education spending, and 36th in average teacher salaries. 

Graduation rates are approximately 82.5%, but only 43.6% of the graduates enroll in college immediately after graduation. Only about one-third have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. 

She said it was clear that work remained to improve those statistics. 

"Education is one of our highest priorities because we understand the direct connection between education, workforce development, and the economic future of our community," Coppess said. "In 2021, we began with five $1,000 business scholarships. What started as a small effort has grown into an extraordinary partnership among local businesses, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, and our Chamber. In 2026, we awarded $405,000 in scholarships to 200 students." 

The scholarship program's major turning point came in 2022, when Trial Council Chairman Chief James Allan pledged that the Tribe would match each $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Chamber members for graduating high school seniors in the region. 

"Education is one of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe's biggest priorities, and the Tribe invests heavily in it," said Tyrel Stevenson, Legislative Director of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. "Chairman Chief Allan might be the biggest champion for education I have ever encountered. The scholarship challenge was his idea several years ago as a way to expand the effort across the business community using the strength of the relationships we have with the Chamber and its wonderful members." 

Stevenson said Chief Allan often says education is something nobody can ever take from you.  

"If you lose your job, lose a spouse, lose loved ones in unfortunate circumstances, you will still have your education and you will be able to make good decisions and take care of yourself no matter what," he said. "In his view, those principles apply no matter who you are, whether a tribal member or part of the larger Coeur d’Alene regional community and that makes the investment worthwhile." 

Stevenson said the Tribe has contributed over $37 million to education causes over the last 30 years. He added that Tribal students must be enrolled in a Chamber member school to be eligible for the scholarship program. Most attend Lakeside High School in Plummer, which has awarded dozens of scholarships. 

"We have heard from students who say the scholarships made a big difference for them, including a handful each year who say they were not considering going to college after high school until they got a scholarship," Stevenson said. "That is a recipe for success, not only for those students but for their families, area businesses and all of us." 

Coppess believes the post-secondary education scholarships can provide opportunities kids might not otherwise have. 

"My hope is that they open doors and give students the confidence to walk through them. Whether they're pursuing a four-year degree, attending a community college, or learning a skilled trade, we want them to know their community believes in them," she said. "For some students, this financial support may help close the gap between what they can afford and what they hope to achieve." 

For others, Coppess said, it may mean working fewer hours, buying books or equipment, or simply having less financial stress as they begin their next chapter in life.  

"Perhaps most importantly, it gives them greater freedom to make decisions about their education and future based on their aspirations, rather than just what they can afford," Coppess said. "I hope knowing that your community has invested in their future is a real encouragement to them and someday find their own way to pay it forward." 

Coppass, who was born and raised in Coeur d'Alene, also believes investing in local students matters for North Idaho's future. 

"I've watched our community grow and change over the years, and I believe one of our greatest responsibilities is making sure the next generation has the opportunity to build a good life here," she said. "When we talk about the future of North Idaho, we often focus on economic development, infrastructure, housing, and workforce needs. All of those things matter, but our future depends on people. We need teachers, nurses, electricians, engineers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. And many of those future professionals are sitting in our local classrooms today." 

Coppass said she often thinks about the generations of people who invested their time, talents, and resources to make Coeur d'Alene what it is today.  

"We have a responsibility to do the same for those who come after us," she said. "To me, that's what this scholarship program represents: a community choosing to believe in its future and doing something tangible to help shape it." 

    Linda Coppass, President and CEO of Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce.
  

    Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council Chairman Chief Allan.