COEUR d’ALENE — Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Chief Allan, sees education as “the great equalizer.”

That’s why, for the fifth consecutive year, the Tribe will match contributions for every $1,000 scholarship funded by a business through the Coeur d’Alene Chamber Education Committee’s annual scholarship program.

“When we invest in a student’s future, we are investing in the future strength of our workforce, our families, and our entire community,” Allan said. “The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is proud to once again match every scholarship sponsored by the business community, and I challenge our local businesses to join us in ensuring that opportunity is not limited by circumstance.”

The Tribe’s matching program is part of a longstanding tradition of supporting education in the region. When the Tribe signed its gaming compact with the state in 1992, Tribal elders insisted that 5% of gaming revenues be allocated to education.

Through the chamber’s scholarship program, businesses sponsor $1,000 scholarships awarded to graduating seniors pursuing college, university, or trade education. With the Tribe’s match, each business-sponsored scholarship supports two students.

Since the Tribe first issued its matching challenge in 2022, the scholarship program has grown dramatically. Last year, the combined effort of the Tribe and 77 participating local businesses made 204 scholarships possible.

To reach this year’s goal of 200 scholarships, the business community must fund 100 scholarships, which the Tribe will match. 

According to a press release, 73 business-sponsored scholarships have been secured.

“This partnership with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has redefined what’s possible,” said Chamber President and CEO Linda Coppess. “What began as a generous match has become a movement — one that strengthens our talent pipeline, supports local families, and builds long-term economic resilience for North Idaho.”

Coppess said the need for educational support in Idaho is greater than ever.

“Idaho continues to face one of the lowest post-secondary continuation rates in the nation,” she said. “Financial barriers remain the primary reason many students do not pursue education beyond high school. These scholarships remove that barrier and send a powerful message: our business community believes in you.”