EDUCATION
There are numerous education and job training resources for immigrants in Idaho, offered by government agencies, resettlement organizations, and community non-profits. These programs address language barriers, professional credentialing issues, and provide general workforce development to help immigrants achieve self-sufficiency.
Resettlement and Integration Agencies
These agencies offer comprehensive services to help newcomers settle and thrive in their new communities.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Address: 7291 W Franklin Rd,
Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 208-344-1792
Website: www.rescue.org/united-states/boise-id
The IRC in Boise provides services for refugees, asylees, and other immigrants. Programs include vocational training, job placement assistance, financial literacy, and immigration legal services.
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
Address: 121 S Lincoln Ave,
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: 208-734-6020
Website: refugees.org/uscri-twin-falls/
Welcomes newcomers to the Twin Falls area with comprehensive services, including employment preparation, job placement, school enrollment, and cultural orientation.
Agency for New Americans (ANA)
Address: 1600 W Jefferson St #450,
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-338-0023
Website: anaidaho.org/
Assists refugees in achieving self-sufficiency by providing skills training, employment guidance, and other support services during their resettlement.
Language and Professional Development
These programs can help immigrants overcome language barriers and reclaim professional careers in Idaho.
English Language Center (ELC)
Address: 981 S Orchard St,
Boise, ID 83705
Phone: 208-345-4949
Website: idahorefugees.org/english-language-center
Provides English classes for adult refugees, including specialized classes for older refugees, vocational English for working adults, and citizenship preparation.
Global Talent
Address: 1600 W Jefferson St #350,
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-383-1256
Website: idahorefugees.org/global-talent
A program for internationally trained professionals to help them reclaim their careers in Idaho. Services include one-on-one career coaching, networking opportunities, and job-specific training.
The Literacy Project of North Idaho
Address: 546 E Wallace Ave,
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-450-2669
Website: theliteracyprojectni.org/
Offers free one-on-one and small-group tutoring for English as a Second Language (ESL) to improve speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Federal and State Workforce Programs
These public programs help connect Idahoans, including immigrants, with job training and employment resources.
Idaho Department of Labor
Address: 317 W Main St,
Boise, ID 83735
Phone: 208-332-3570
Website: labor.idaho.gov/
Provides resources for job seekers, including job referrals, labor market information, and job training opportunities. They operate local American Job Centers across the state.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) Employment & Training (E&T)
Address: 3232 Elder St,
Boise, ID 83705
Phone: 844-977-1600
Website: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/financial-assistance/employment-training
This program assists individuals receiving SNAP or TAFI benefits with career coaching and training to secure meaningful employment and achieve self-sufficiency.
Community and Educational Non-Profits
Community Council of Idaho (CC Idaho)
Address: 317 W Main St,
Boise, ID 83735
Phone: 208-453-3107
Website: communitycouncilofidaho.org/services/
A multi-service organization with offices throughout southern Idaho that offers bilingual assistance, GED tutoring, and workforce development programs for immigrants and farmworkers.
Boise State University College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
Address: 1910 W University Dr,
Boise, ID 83725
Phone: 208-426-2586
Website: boisestate.edu/camp/
Supports first-year undergraduate students who are migratory or seasonal farmworkers (or children of such workers) by offering tutoring, academic advising, scholarships, and skills workshops.
Idaho State University College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
Address: 921 S 8th Ave,
Pocatello, ID 83209
Phone: 208-282-3522
Website: isu.edu/camp/
Provides similar first-year support to eligible migrant students at Idaho State University through tutoring, workshops, and academic advising.
CSI Refugee Programs
College of Southern Idaho.
Address: 1526 Highland Ave. E,
Twin Falls, ID 83301.
Phone: 208-736-2166
Website: refugeecenter.csi.edu/.
College and Career Readiness
This program focuses on providing foundational skills and preparation for both college-level courses and the workforce.
English Language Acquisition (ELA/ESL): These courses help non-native English speakers improve their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A skills assessment is required to place students in the correct level.
Workplace English: For those who need to improve their English while also acquiring job-specific skills. Classes are offered in areas like healthcare and digital literacy.
GED/Basic Skills: Free classes are available to improve foundational skills in reading, writing, and math to prepare for the GED or college.
Citizenship: Offers free classes to help eligible permanent residents prepare for the U.S. naturalization process, covering civics, government, and interview preparation.
Contact:
Phone: 208-732-6534 to schedule a pre-testing and orientation appointment.
Website: www.csi.edu/college-career-readiness-adult-education/.
Workforce Development & Training
CSI's Workforce Development & Training division partners with local businesses to provide job training and certification programs in high-demand industries like healthcare and manufacturing. While not exclusively for immigrants, these programs are accessible and can be combined with Workplace English courses.
To get started with these programs, it is recommended to:
Contact the CSI Refugee Programs for comprehensive services tailored to newcomers.
Contact the College and Career Readiness intake office to schedule an English language assessment.
College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Student Aid and Scholarship Information.
CSI Refugee Programs scholarship
Program: The CSI Workforce Department offers a "Refugees Scholarship" specifically to support refugees who are transitioning into a new life and seeking college education or skill development.
Details: The scholarship is part of a larger support system that includes career coaching, help with resume development, and employment placement assistance. The Refugee Programs office can provide more information on how to apply.
General CSI scholarships
Eligibility: CSI offers more than 300 scholarships through its general scholarship application, and many do not require U.S. citizenship.
Requirements: While citizenship is not a requirement for all awards, students should fill out the CSI General Scholarship Application through the MyCSI portal. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher generally improves eligibility.
International students: The CSI financial aid policy notes that non-citizens can have an alternate Social Security Number created in the system by the Scholarship Office to be considered for awards.
Contact: For questions about eligibility and the application process, contact the CSI Financial Aid Office.
Other financial aid considerations
Federal aid: Undocumented students and DACA recipients are ineligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA), though DACA recipients can submit a FAFSA to be considered for institutional aid.
Residency for tuition:
Refugees: Lawfully present refugees in Idaho can establish residency for in-state tuition purposes after living in Idaho for one year.
DACA recipients: As of April 2018, only DACA recipients who graduated from an accredited Idaho high school may be eligible for in-state tuition. Undocumented students without DACA are not.
External scholarships: Immigrant students can apply for external scholarships from private organizations that do not have citizenship requirements. The Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation, for instance, is one such organization.
How to get started
Connect with the CSI Refugee Programs: Contact the center directly to learn about specific funding available for refugees.
Submit the general scholarship application: Complete the CSI General Scholarship Application through MyCSI to be considered for a wide range of institutional awards.
Explore external scholarships: Search for private scholarships from organizations like the Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation.
External scholarships for DACA students in Idaho
While DACA recipients are not eligible for federal financial aid, several private and state-level programs offer support, with some having specific opportunities for DACA students. The key is to research scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship.
Idaho-specific scholarships
Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation (ILSF) Scholarship: DACA and undocumented students of Hispanic/Latino descent are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which is intended for students attending an institution in Idaho.
Requirements: A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstration of leadership and community service, and financial need.
Website: https://www.idaholsf.com/apply/
Community Council of Idaho (CC Idaho) Scholarships: As a multi-service organization, CC Idaho offers various scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those who are immigrants or have DACA status.
Idaho Community Foundation (ICF) Scholarships: The ICF manages many scholarship funds for students across the state, and some do not have citizenship requirements. It is best to search their database for opportunities that match your specific circumstances.
Website: https://www.idahocf.org/students.php