Palouse Pathway is thrilled to be hosting “College Within Reach — A Paying for College Fair” October 19 from 1-5 in Moscow, made possible through a grant from the Believe in Me Foundation. This is a unique event that is a response to the community’s need for more and better information about how to make college and post-secondary programs affordable. Our goals is to bring EVERYONE with resources to pay for college into one space so that high and middle school families can learn and plan. Below is a list in alphabetcial order of participants and a description of what they have to offer. Check back to this space, we will be updating with new information as speakers confirm!
AmeriCorps -- Serve Idaho
Serve Idaho promotes collaborative efforts among private and nonprofit organizations, schools and state and local government agencies to advance national service programs and volunteerism throughout the state. Serve Idaho meets its mission by providing AmeriCorps grants. AmeriCorps members who serve a full-time term receive a living stipend, healthcare coverage, on-the-job experience, and a $7,395 scholarship for college, trade school, apprenticeships, or certifications. www.serveidaho.gov www.americorps.gov
Idaho Dept. of Labor Apprenticeship Programs
Connie Hites is an Apprenticeship Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Labor, where she helps lead initiatives for Apprenticeship Idaho, a program dedicated to expanding Registered Apprenticeships across the state. With her experience in workforce development, project management, and federal grant management, Connie specializes in creating and managing apprenticeship programs that align with USDOL regulations. She has successfully implemented strategies to enhance apprenticeship opportunities, increase program efficiency, and improve workforce outcomes throughout Idaho.
As a key contributor to Apprenticeship Idaho, Connie focuses on collaborating with employers, educational institutions, and government agencies to develop innovative training pathways that meet the needs of Idaho’s industries. She holds a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Santa Barbara City College and is passionate about empowering individuals through hands-on learning and career development opportunities.
IDeal (Idaho’s 529 College Savings Plan)
IDeal is Idaho’s official 529 education savings program. These tax-advantaged 529 accounts are designed specifically to help individuals and families save and invest for their loved ones’ education. Idaho’s 529 features a variety of tax advantages including an Idaho state income tax deduction of up to $6,000 for single filers – or $12,000 for couples filing jointly, tax-deferred earnings and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses. Those visiting with IDeal will be entered into a drawing for a $50 deposit into an existing or new IDeal savings account!
(We’ll also share information about Washinton’s plan!)
Innovia Foundation
The Innovia Foundation recently awarded $339,888 through 128 scholarships to students throughout North Idaho and eastern Washington for the 2024-2025 school year. Innovia manages over 30 scholarship programs on behalf of donors who have established funds to help students achieve their higher education goals. You can learn more about your eligibility for these scholarships and how to apply.
LaunchNW
LaunchNW is a model which seeks to support children from birth to career attainment. The foundation of this model is called ‘collective impact’: a proven, multifaceted approach for identifying and addressing problem areas that detract from a child’s ability to thrive.
Because each child is different, we know that just blindly implementing supports which work for one child somewhere else may result in ineffectual change. As such, we partner with already-established community leaders, organizations, schools, and more to help guide our efforts and maximize the impact communities can make in every child’s life.
Through key components like grant funding, community scholarship fundraising, local governing committees, the LaunchNW coordinator position, LaunchNW will generate sustainable, measurable change in our region for generations to come.
To learn more, visit us online at www.launchnw.org
Lewis Clark State College
Moscow Moose Lodge
A representative will share information about the Moose Youth Awareness Scholarship and how to apply.
Moscow Lions Club Scholarship
A representative will share information about the Moscow Lions Club Scholarships and how to apply.
Naval ROTC at University of Idaho and Washington State University
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at the University of Idaho and Washington State University is a scholarship program that provides full tuition, financial stipends, summer training cruises and more. Similar to a military academy in that NROTC is a leadership development program prepares you to serve your country as a Navy or Marine Corps Officer, it differs significantly in that you will also enjoy a traditional college experience, socially and academically. Following college graduation, students are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps, and are ready to lead combat-ready teams of Sailors and Marines in pursuit of our nation’s strategic objectives. Graduates of this program include Marine Infantry Officers, Naval Aviators, Submarine Officers, and Surface Warfare Officers. The professional, academic, and leadership opportunities afforded to Navy or Marine Corps Officers are unparalleled in the civilian sector. Officers graduating from our program can expect to be on the 'tip of the spear' within a year after college graduation, doing everything from assaulting fortifications to driving a submarine to managing an air/sea battle from an E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. We are looking for driven, academically strong candidates who are ready to lead on Day 1!
Pullman Center of the Community Colleges of Spokane
Big future, small price tag! Pursue an Associate Arts, Business, or Sciences Degree at the CCS Center located on the WSU Pullman campus.
Enjoy small classes, personalized instruction, and the lowest tuition cost by far among Washington colleges, and experience the wonderful environs of the WSU research university. Take classes that not only prepare you but also count toward a future Bachelor’s Degree. In fact, begin and succeed with us and you will create clear transfer paths to any four-year institution of your choosing.
The CCS Center also offers ESL, GED, and Washington’s High School+ programs. Meet Assistant Dean Patrick Forster at College Within Reach and get more information now at sfcc.spokane.edu/request-info.
TRIO-Inspire Benewah Latah Upward Bound
TRIO-INSPIRE’s Benewah Latah Upward Bound at the University of Idaho is a federally funded educational opportunity program that provides academic, personal, career support, and post-secondary educational exploration opportunities to students from first-generation and/or limited income backgrounds. The program focuses on increasing retention and graduation rates by offering resources such as academic advising, tutoring, financial literacy, and college/trade school preparation. We offer college readiness workshops, campus visits, summer educational camps, and field experiences. We’re excited to share with you information about first-generation students navigating financing their education and the unique challenges they face, such as understanding financial aid processes and overcoming barriers like fear of debt. We will also provide practical tips on applying for scholarships, utilizing campus resources, and managing loans responsibly.
University of Idaho Extension
Karen Richel, Financial Literacy Extension Educator, Certified Money Coach, and Accredited Financial Counselor, will share information on The Importance of Financial Planning Before Graduation: The choices we make before graduating shape our future, from setting job goals to managing money early. In this presentation, we will talk about career aspirations, early budgeting habits, resources for financial planning now, realistic financial expectations for families, and actionable steps to start taking now.
University of Idaho Office of Financial Aid
Randi Croyle, Director of Financial Aid, and Kendra Rathbone, Financial Aid Counselor and FAFSA Specialist, will talk about scholarships and grants available at University of Idaho and more generally to Students within the State. They will discuss State Scholarship Programs like Idaho Launch and the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. They will also be available to help families apply for their FSA ID.
University of Idaho Office of Veterans Programs
Col. Jason Nierman, Director of Military and Veterans Services, will explain the process for applying for and receiving VA education benefits (including the GI Bill) whether you are a veteran, guardsman or reservist, on active duty, or a dependent of a veteran.
Walla Walla Community College
Brian McElroy will speak about making college and career training affordable with Running Start and Dual Enrollment and making community college part of your paying for college plan.
WSU College Affordability Programs
Join Maja Gillespie from WSU’s Office of Academic Engagement. The Office of Academic Engagement supports undergraduate student engagement in learning and in the highly impactful academic experiences of Washington State University. Engagement (or the physical and mental energy one invests) in their academics is a leading indicator of overall student success, and while it is a simple concept, it has complex determinants. For instance, student financial factors can limit engagement, as can considerations associated with being the first in their family to attend college (needing to develop a sense of belonging and/or believe in ability); behaviors and learning strategies associated with academic success can impact engagement, as can a student’s skill and disposition at working within a diverse environment. Maja also oversees Cougar Money Matters, which brings together financial resources across all WSU campuses and provides a variety of tools and resources that are presented virtually and in-person including iGrad, financial counseling, assistance in finding free or low-cost resources, emergency grants, and match savings to help students succeed during their time at WSU and beyond. Her office is also responsible for Invest in Cougs, an initiative that supports students persisting toward graduation through matched savings, peer mentoring, financial education, and individualized support to alleviate financial barriers.
Washington Student Achievement Council
Did you know that Washington State ranks first in the nation for need-based financial aid! Join Christina Winstead, the Associate Director for College Access Initiatives at the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) to learn more about Washington State financial aid opportunities and paying for education after high school. WSAC is a Washington state agency that advances educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. You will be able receive support in taking your first step to applying for financial aid, creating your FSA ID or WASFA account. Learn more about Washington State financial aid by going to https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg
Western Undergraduate Exchange University of Utah
The Western Undergraduate exchange is America’s largest regional interstate tuition savings program. It helps Idaho and Washington students attend terrific schools in neighboring states for a deep tuition discount. Both University of Idaho and Washington State University Participate. Learn about WUE from Megan Horne, an admissions representative from another great participating WUE School, University of Utah.