Chief Allan of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe announced Friday that for the second year in a row, the Tribe will match every $1,000 scholarship donated for the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s annual scholarship program.  

The Top Scholars program recognizes 50 seniors from Coeur d’Alene-area high schools at the April Upbeat Breakfast. Each year, local businesses sign up to provide $1,000 scholarships that are awarded to high school seniors for post-secondary education. Historically, the chamber has given out $3,000-$5,000 scholarships. Last year, $104,000 in scholarships was awarded.

Education is a key priority for Allan, who has once again issued this powerful challenge to the business community. He has offered to match every single $1,000 scholarship donated, which will double the number of students who will receive scholarships. 

"The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is a visionary member, and a long-standing strategic partner in our region," said Linda Coppess, CEO/president of Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber. "Through their generosity, our business community is able to make an incredible impact in achieving our community’s educational goals."

The year is off to a great start with the following businesses already committing to sponsoring scholarships, and there is still a month to go:

• Avista • Northwest Specialty Hospital Institute for Digestive Surgery • Axis Spine Center • Parker Subaru • D.A. Davidson and Co. • Parker Toyota • Haddock and Associates • Parkwood Business Properties • HREI • StanCraft Construction Group of North Idaho • J.A. Bertsch Heating and Cooling • STCU • J-U-B, STRATA Geotech, Welch Comer • The Salvation Army Kroc Center • Mountain West Bank • Thorco, Inc. • North Idaho Higher Education • Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail • Northwest Specialty Hospital • TDS Telecom • Northwest Specialty Hospital Urgent Care • Kootenai Electric Cooperative Foundation • NWSH Pediatrics • Avondale Dental Group • Coeur d’Alene Tractor • Northwest Dental Benefits • Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber board of directors

Scholarships will be awarded at the Top Scholars Upbeat Breakfast, from 7-8:30 a.m. April 11 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Students and parents will have opportunities to meet with business leaders, hear from an inspirational speaker and be recognized as top scholars in Coeur d’Alene area schools.

Creating a stronger and more educated workforce is critical for both economic development and the future of the business community, and 100% of the donations are awarded to the recipients for their post-secondary school of choice.

We invite members of the business community to email connect@cdachamber.com to help in the following ways:

• Sponsor a scholarship: Businesses may sign up to sponsor a $1,000 scholarship award for one of the top students in the region.

• Sponsor a student breakfast: Businesses may sponsor one or more of the top 50 student attendees for $50. Donations will help cover breakfast for the student, top scholar medallion and certificate, as well as items for their gift bags. 

• Sponsor student gift bags: Businesses may provide in-kind gift items (logo merchandise, gift cards, notes of encouragement, etc.) for each student attendee’s gift bags.  

CALLING ALL GRADUATING SENIORS

If you are a graduating senior at Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, Coeur d’Alene High School, Coeur du Christ Academy, Elevate Academy North, Holy Family Catholic School, Kootenai Bridge Academy, Lake City High School, Lakeside High School, Venture High School or are a child of a Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber member, submit applications by March 17. Visit www.cdachamber.com or email Ann Wilkey at ann@cdachamber.com to apply.