Lewis-Clark State College Launched New Scholarship Program
The Harry Bettis Scholarship Program now covers the full financial need of students from rural Idaho communities.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Financial Aid
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Lewis-Clark State College has established the Harry Bettis Scholarship Program in partnership with the Harry L. Bettis Foundation. The initiative provides full financial support for qualifying students from rural Idaho.
Why it matters
The program aims to expand access to higher education for students living in rural areas who might otherwise face significant financial barriers. By meeting 100% of demonstrated need, the college seeks to stabilize enrollment and support regional development.
The Harry Bettis Scholarship Program covers 100% of demonstrated financial need as calculated via FAFSA. It currently supports 107 students and ranks as the second-largest single scholarship in LC State history.
The players
Lewis-Clark State College
This public college is located in Lewiston and serves as the primary educational institution for the region.
Harry L. Bettis Foundation
This philanthropic organization partners with educational institutions to support financial aid initiatives.
The details
Administered through the newly created Harry L. Bettis Scholarship Fund, the program requires that recipients maintain a meaningful connection to a rural Idaho community. The initiative functions by filling the gap between a student's resources and their total cost of attendance.
Timeline
107 students are receiving financial support during the fall 2026 semester.
Applications for fall 2027 scholarships open on December 1, 2026.
Roadmap
This program aligns with broader institutional efforts to utilize the FAFSA process to bridge the affordability gap for rural students. It reflects a growing trend of private foundations partnering directly with public colleges to secure dedicated, large-scale funding for specific demographics.
Students from rural Idaho communities can now utilize this program to eliminate tuition and fee burdens as determined by their FAFSA filing. Those planning to enroll for the next academic cycle should prepare their financial documentation before the December opening date.
The takeaway
This initiative represents a significant commitment to keeping higher education accessible for rural residents in Idaho. Prospective students should prioritize their FAFSA submissions to ensure they are considered for this full-coverage opportunity.
What happens next
Applications for the fall 2027 academic year are scheduled to open on December 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on educational funding, visit the Financial Aid section.
More information
Review the full eligibility criteria on the Harry Bettis scholarship information page.
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