Idaho's Model Paraeducators Advancing to Certified Teacher (IMPACT)

IMPACT is provided at no cost to participants. Tuition, fees and books are all taken care of without cost to scholars and expenses related to the Intensive Summer Institute are covered. Participants are also provided with a laptop computer to complete coursework.

This program is ideal for those currently serving as paraeducators in Idaho, those who have already earned approximately 50 college or university credits (transcripts can be reviewed for personalized guidance) and individuals who can commit to completing the required coursework as outlined in the Program of study. Participants must also be willing to commit to teaching for at least four years after completing the program.

Applications for Cohort 2 should be available in December 2025.

Acceptance decisions will be made based on the quality of materials, not on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications must include

Candidate Statement

Candidates must develop a written statement explaining why they are interested in applying for the program. This could include information about personal background, rationale for interest in IMPACT, career goals, experience working with students with diverse backgrounds, and personal strengths. This statement should be no longer than 500 words.
 
Resume

Include a current resume that shows education and employment history.
 
Supervisor References

Applicants must include the name, title, phone number, and email address of two supervisors at their current schools (e.g., principal, assistant principal, teacher, special education director). These individuals will be contacted by IMPACT staff and asked for information to support your candidacy.
 
Unofficial Transcripts

For this initial IMPACT application, applicants will be required to submit unofficial transcripts for any college/university courses they have taken. For students accepted into IMPACT, the U of I will require official transcripts as part of the University application.

What types of expenses are covered for IMPACT scholars?

Funding from the U.S. Department of Education covers all of your tuition and program fees. All expenses related to the Intensive Summer Institute will also be covered. This may include bringing children and spouses to Moscow as well (see more below). Every IMPACT student will receive a laptop computer to use to complete coursework.

Why do I need to apply for FAFSA if all expenses are covered?

You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you are eligible for need-based federal funding (e.g., Pell Grants). Although IMPACT scholars receive free tuition through this grant, need-based funding through FAFSA will reduce individual cost responsibilities should a scholar not complete the program or not fulfill the required service obligation (see “Service” below for more information about the required service obligation).

What if I don’t have college or university credits?

IMPACT is designed for working paraeducators to complete certification in two years. As such, potential IMPACT scholars need to enter the program with some university credits (approximately 50). If you do not have credits earned already, consider beginning enrolling in general required university coursework so that you can be eligible for IMPACT Cohort 2, which will begin in Summer 2026. We can work with you to help provide guidance on which courses you may want to take.

What if I don’t live in Idaho?

IMPACT is focused on Idaho paraeducators. If there is space in a cohort, we may be able to consider admitting individuals who meet requirements but live in other states. However, Idaho paraeducators have priority.

What if I have taken college courses, but have a GPA lower than 2.0?

University of Idaho has an admissions committee that will consider applicants with cumulative GPAs lower than 2.0. A GPA below this minimum may be a barrier but is not necessarily an unsurmountable barrier.

Are courses online?

With the exception of summer courses connected with the Intensive Summer Institute (see below), all coursework can be done from a distance. IMPACT scholars are provided with a computer, but individuals are responsible for providing or finding their own high-speed WiFi.

What is a mentor-supported course?

Each semester, students complete a specified 3-credit course with a local mentor. These mentors will need to be approved by IMPACT staff. The goal is to vary the format of the coursework and provide structured opportunities for IMPACT scholars to work with local people who have knowledge and expertise in that area. They will work though an online course shell and content will be graded by IMPACT faculty. Scholars will meet with their mentors regularly and mentors will be compensated for their time with a small stipend.

Can I take courses when I want to?

IMPACT is designed to be completed as a cohort and on a specific schedule. Be certain to review to program of study to ensure you can make the necessary commitment of time. The courses you’ll take are mostly set; if there are other courses you need to take to complete the bachelor’s degree, these will likely be your responsibility. IMPACT program staff can provide advising to let you know what you need.

What if I already have a bachelor’s degree? Can I take courses to earn a master’s degree?

The grant funding only covers the costs of undergraduate credits (graduate credits are more expensive than undergraduate credits). You’ll be able to take courses as undergraduate credits to fulfill teacher certification requirements.

What is the Intensive Summer Institute (ISI)?

IMPACT is focused on cohort development, which will include a six-day face-to-face mandatory institute at the U of I campus in Moscow, Idaho. Students will work face-to-face with IMPACT faculty to explore course content associated with enrolled summer courses. Scholars will receive funding to cover expenses related to travel, childcare, room and board. More information is listed below.

What if I can’t make the ISI?

It is required for IMPACT scholars to attend the ISI. This is a key component of our program.

When is the ISI?

The 2024 ISI is scheduled for June 17-23. The 2025 ISI will likely be June 16-21, but those dates are tentative.

What are accommodations like for the ISI?

Scholars will have a private room and bathroom/shower in the Wallace dorm. Each room has four beds (two bunkbeds), but nobody will be required to share with another scholar.

Can I bring family to the ISI?

Each scholar has four single beds in their room and may bring up to three family members. These costs, including meals, are provided by grant funding. Childcare during the day may also be available.

What costs are involved?

IMPACT Scholars will be provided with transportation, room and board (meals). Costs for any other activities will be the responsibility of IMPACT Scholars.

What is the required service obligation?

This opportunity is funded through the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in the U.S. Department of Education. Their requirement is that scholars who receive these funds complete four years of service as a special educator (two years of service as a special educator for every one year of funding).

What happens if I don’t finish the program?

If you do not finish the program, then you are responsible for paying back the federal government for incurred tuition and program fees.

What happens if I do not complete my four years of service?

After completing the program, you will need to provide the federal government with annual evidence that you are completing the service requirement. If you do not complete the four years, the federal government will require you to reimburse them for all or some of the tuition and program fees.