IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The College of Eastern Idaho Foundation awarded $350,000 in scholarships to 250 students for the 2026–27 academic year, helping students pursue their education with fewer financial barriers.

The CEI Foundation scholarships are made possible by generous  individuals, businesses and community organizations. Scholarships support students across CEI’s academic and career-technical programs, with awards based on a variety of qualifications and donor priorities.

Brielle Romero, who completed CEI’s Licensed Practical Nursing program in 2021, is returning to CEI to continue her education through the LPN-RN Bridge Program. Romero received a $2,000 scholarship from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation and plans to pursue a career in labor and delivery.

“With my husband serving as the sole provider for our household while I complete my degree, finances have been exceptionally tight,” Romero wrote. “Receiving this scholarship provides critical relief to our family budget, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies, clinical hours and clinical excellence without the constant weight of financial strain.”

Energy Systems Technology student Max VanOrden received the John and Bonnie Longenecker Annual Scholarship. He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering, graduate debt-free and use his education in Southeast Idaho.

“This scholarship did more than just help me financially. It also helped me feel a lot of encouragement going forward,” VanOrden wrote. “The fact that you valued my skills and work ethic helps me be even more motivated to continue to fight hard for the things I want for my future.”

For practical nursing student Larami Martinez, receiving the Select Health Scholarship will allow her to spend less time working while balancing nursing school and raising four children.

“This scholarship changes everything,” Martinez wrote in a thank-you letter. “With Select Health’s support, I will be able to step back from work and focus entirely on my education and on my children. The weight that this financial support lifts from my shoulders is immeasurable, and the ripple effects will be felt not only in my household but in every future patient I have the privilege of caring for.”

Jennifer Jackson of Rexburg received the Idaho Falls Civitans Scholarship. After earning a bachelor’s degree in child development from Brigham Young University-Idaho, Jackson enrolled at CEI as a pre-dental hygiene student to pursue a new way of serving her community.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship as I pursue a career in dental hygiene,” Jackson said. “This is a challenging and competitive field, and having this support means so much to me as I work toward my goals and a career where I can serve and give back to my community.”

CEI uses one application to consider students for all applicable Foundation scholarships. The application opens Oct. 1 and closes March 1 each year, with funding awarded for the following academic year. More than 90% of current and incoming CEI students who apply by the deadline receive a scholarship.

To learn more or apply, visit cei.edu/foundation/scholarship-resources/cei-scholarship-application-instructions.

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About College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees, select bachelor’s degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of eastern Idaho—redefining what comes next. Visit cei.edu for more information.

About the College of Eastern Idaho Foundation
Since 1992, the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) Foundation’s mission has been to change lives for generations. The CEI Foundation is a separately incorporated 501 (c) (3) organization and the officially designated means of making private contributions to the College. Visit ceigiving.org to learn more and make a donation.