Idaho LAUNCH

The Idaho LAUNCH grant program aims to prepare Idaho’s students for Idaho’s workforce needs. Idaho LAUNCH provides grants for education and training programs.

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

Idaho school districts and charter schools may choose one of three ways for students to complete the statutory requirement of the Career Pathway Plan. Public School and Charter School students use this link to find out what your school district or charter school’s approved Career Pathway Plan is for this Idaho LAUNCH requirement. Private school, homeschool students, and students completing their GED will complete their Career Pathway Plan using the Idaho LAUNCH bundle in Next Steps Idaho.

Use this guide to learn how to create an account and apply for Idaho LAUNCH

Idaho LAUNCH and Idaho Opportunity Scholarship Comparison Chart

There are multiple avenues to secure state funding to support students in their postsecondary education and training. Idaho LAUNCH and Idaho Opportunity Scholarship are both sources of state funding, but have some key differences.

 

For a downloadable handout comparing LAUNCH and Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, click here.

Idaho LAUNCH

Amount:

  • Up to $8,000 one-time
  • Covers 80% tuition and fees
  • Receive up to 1/2 of funds in year 1 ($4,000) , unless enrolled in a program that is less than 12 months
  • You will have three years to utilize the Idaho LAUNCH grant dollars

 

Eligibility:

  • Graduate from an accredited Idaho high school or equivalent
    • Public School
    • Charter School
    • Private School
    • Homeschool
    • GED
  • Be an Idaho resident
  • Be enrolled in or have applied to an in-demand career program at an eligible Idaho institution
  • Begin enrollment by fall semester after graduation, unless granted an extension
  • Complete a Career Pathway Plan or equivalent, submitted for approval by each district
  • Review the approved list of eligible in-demand careers

NOTE: During the application process, students will be required to pick a program (major or subject area of focus) and the school they plan to attend. While they are required to make selections now, these decisions can be revisited and updated by students later. If students make updates after they have been offered a contingent offer, it may impact their final offer.

Scroll up for a complete listing of the eligible in-demand career programs.

Application Process:

  • Submit an application through Scholarship Idaho
  • No FAFSA required
  • No GPA required

 

Deadline: 

April 15

*NEW: Starting with the graduating class of 2025, students may only be awarded either Idaho LAUNCH or Idaho Opportunity, but not both.

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

Amount:

  • Up to $3,500 per year
  • Renewable for up to 4 years
  • The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship requires the FAFSA since there is a need component to the ranking

 

Eligibility:

  • Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of at least 2.7
  • Be an Idaho resident
  • Graduated or will graduate from an accredited Idaho high school, Idaho homeschool, or its equivalent (GED/HSE from Idaho)
  • Must attend during the upcoming academic year (fall semester)
  • Must pursue a certificate, associate or first bachelor’s degree
  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1
  • Must attend one of these eligible Idaho colleges or universities:
    • College of Western Idaho
    • College of Eastern Idaho
    • College of Southern Idaho
    • North Idaho College
    • University of Idaho
    • Boise State University
    • Lewis Clark State College
    • Idaho State University
    • The College of Idaho
    • Northwest Nazarene University
    • Brigham Young University – Idaho
    • Western Governors University

 

Application Process:

  1. Submit an application through Scholarship Idaho
  2. Submit a FAFSA by Mar 1
  3. Receive and accept a final offer, emailed by Scholarship Idaho

 

Deadline:

March 1

FAQ

A version of Idaho LAUNCH has been around for approximately 3 years – this program has served adults seeking to upskill or change careers. It is referred to as Idaho LAUNCH for Adults.

Idaho LAUNCH for High School Seniors is new this year! The graduating class of 2024 will be the first cohort invited to participate in this program. Idaho LAUNCH for High School Seniors aims to connect high school seniors with in-demand careers throughout Idaho. Keep an eye out for program updates throughout the year as we “launch” this initiative.

Students will receive email notifications from Scholarship Idaho. It is vital for students to have an active email address that they check regularly to ensure they do not miss any notifications that may require their attention.

The Idaho LAUNCH application opens on October 1, 2024 and closes on April 15, 2025.
Contingent Award Letters are contingent upon verification of eligibility. There will be three rounds of Contingent Award Letters.

Final Award Letters will be issued in June 2025 after eligibility is verified. Please be sure to use an active email address when applying for Idaho LAUNCH funds.

Prioritization will be based on in-demand careers and financial need. Applications will be ranked based on the program a student selects during the application process and how/if it connects to the list of in-demand careers approved by the Idaho Workforce Development Council (reviewed and approved annually).

No, applying for FAFSA is not a requirement for this grant. However, Idaho LAUNCH will only cover 80% (up to $8,000) of a program’s tuition and fees. The remaining program costs and Room/Board fees may be paid by other financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Check Next Steps Idaho / Idaho LAUNCH Resources for answers to common questions. For questions not answered by the website, please send an email to idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov.

A Contingent Award Letter is sent to applicants who submit their application and are on track to meet the program’s eligibility requirements. This offer is contingent upon verification of eligibility completion. Final Award Letters will be issued in June 2025 upon successful verification of the application.

Contingent Award Letters and Final Award Letters are distributed through Scholarship Idaho. Students will be required to either accept or decline their award. If students do not respond within the designated time frame, their award may be offered to another candidate. Students are advised to check their email over the summer.

  1. Urgent questions can be directed to Sherawn Reberry (sherawn.reberry@wdc.idaho.gov).
  2. Please email all other questions to idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov.

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

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.

Idaho LAUNCH for Adult Learners

Are you an Idaho adult looking to access training opportunities?