The Power of Collaboration and Collective Giving
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber have been working together to support young people’s education for several years. This partnership has led to significant growth in the number of scholarships awarded to high school students in the region.
The Tribe’s Tradition of Supporting Education
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has a long history of supporting education. When the Tribe first signed its gaming compact with the state of Idaho in 1992, Tribal elders insisted on returning 5% of gaming revenues to support education.
- The Tribe’s commitment to education has been ongoing for over 30 years.
- The Tribe’s tradition of supporting education is built on the understanding that education is a key factor in the well-being and success of individuals and communities.
The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s Scholarship Program
The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s scholarship program has been greatly expanded since the Tribe first issued its matching challenge in 2022. This year alone, 154 scholarships were secured through the partnership of businesses and the Tribe’s match.
- 2025 will see 204 students receive $1,000 scholarships.
- The Tribe will also award 10 students with $500 Strength of Character scholarships.
Benefits of the Partnership
The partnership between the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber has several benefits.
| Benefits | Explanation |
| Increased funding for scholarships | The partnership has resulted in a significant increase in the number of scholarships available to high school students. |
| More opportunities for students | The partnership provides more opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. |
| Stronger community | The partnership has strengthened the sense of community and collaboration among local businesses and the Tribe. |
Examples of the Impact
The partnership has had a significant impact on the lives of many students in the region.
- Rome Armitage, a 2025 scholarship recipient, plans to study radiology at Seattle University after she graduates.
- Pema Anain plans to attend the University of Arizona or Arizona State University to major in health sciences or medical studies.
- Mihret Washington plans to attend the University of Montana to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance and minor in French.
Quotes from the Tribe and Chamber
“We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and generosity of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and our business community,” said Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber President and CEO Linda Coppess. “The partnership continues to transform lives, creating a ripple effect that strengthens our regional workforce and economy,” she continued. “This partnership shows the strength of this community and how much this community cares,” said Coeur d’Alene Tribal Chairman Chief Allan. “We’ve always offered a little bit of a surprise the past few years,” he said, “and we’re sure there will be a bit of a surprise this year as well.”
Businesses Believe in a Better Tomorrow
Many businesses in the region have been inspired by the partnership and are eager to get involved.
- Gabe Eckert, president of the Coeur d’Alene Firefighters IAFF Local 710, said it was a no-brainer to participate in this scholarship challenge.
- Roger Stewart, owner of Allegra Coeur d’Alene, said that the scholarship program is “first and foremost” important to him and his family.
- Jan Tymesen, financial adviser with the North Idaho Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisers, said that the partnership is amazing because it doubles the impact of education and helps to strengthen the community for generations to come.
Bright Futures Ahead
The partnership has set the stage for a bright future for many students in the region.
“The scholarship will help me afford school out of state and help me acquire less debt going forward,” said Pema Anain, a scholarship recipient.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunities ahead — in academics, the arts, and life in general,” said Mihret Washington, a scholarship recipient. The partnership between the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber has demonstrated the power of collective giving and collaboration in supporting the education of young people. By working together, the Tribe and the Chamber have created a stronger sense of community and have helped to ensure that every eligible student has access to post-secondary education. This partnership has the potential to make a lasting impact on the region and its residents.