LEWISTON, Idaho – Sixteen Lewis-Clark State College students have received more than $107,000 in total scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year from IdahoSTARS project.
IdahoSTARS works to increase the qualifications of Idaho’s early care and education professionals through scholarships, training and targeted technical assistance for professionals who want to earn credentials, credits or degrees in early childhood. Achievement in early childhood education is recognized on the Early Childhood Education Pathway.
The 16 LC State students are either taking classes or seeking a degree in early childhood development. The college offers an associate of applied science degree (60 credits) in early childhood development as well as advanced (52 credits), intermediate (45 credits), and basic (10 credits) technical certificates.
Because of additional federal funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplement Appropriations Act, IdahoSTARS was able to offer scholarships to full-time, part-time and single course students who applied and are pursuing post-secondary education in early childhood education. Full-time grants are rewarded at $10,000 and part-time grants at $7,000 for individuals attending a four-year institution. The amount for single course grants cover the cost of one early childhood education class. All grants include a $2,000 annual stipend to be used toward additional credits, books, fees, course materials and living expenses.
Preference for the scholarships included earning a degree (including pursuing a degree in early childhood development), working directly with children in a child care facility, and working, volunteering or interning in any early child care and educational setting. The goal is to get those students comfortable in the field and increase their level of education and wages while decreasing turnover in the early childhood workforce.
Here is the list of LC State students who earned scholarships and their hometowns. All students are from Idaho.
Full-time scholarships – Ana Ramirez, Burley; Heidi Murphy, Cascade; Rebecca Harvey, Boise.
Part-time scholarships – Jillian Hobbs, Star; Karina Rojas, Boise; KayLynn Hersom, Boise; Mariacarmen Martinez, Mountain Home; Samantha Adams, Harpster.
Single course – Makayla Stearns, Lewiston; Abby Brown, Middleton; Lucinda Mortensen, Rexburg.
Traditional – Leona Sandoval, Nampa; Mandy Karren, Star; Mariacarmen Martinez, Mountain Home; Meredith Murdoch, Boise; Stacy Silva, Meridian; Chelsea Kennedy, Nampa.
For more information on LC State’s early childhood development program, visit its website or contact the Business Technology & Service Division at either bts@lcsc.edu or 208-792-2466.
