There are two programs: one covers the cost of schooling at private or religious institutions, the other covers the cost of schooling at private or religious institutions. If you are in favor of one, it follows that you'd likely favor the other. But politics can often get in the way of common sense.
The Idaho Launch program was passed by lawmakers in 2023 to help students cover about 80% of the cost of tuition at in-state colleges, universities and workforce training, specifically for in-demand careers at an educational institution that works best for their needs. There have been more than 10,000 applicants.
Putting aside the arguments for and against Launch, helping students cover some of the cost of a tailored education plan is no doubt a popular policy and might sound familiar. In fact, lawmakers have had a similar debate regarding a plan to allow parents to take a $5,000 tax credit to help them cover the cost of a K-12 education program that best fits their child’s needs.
Opponents of a K-12 tax credit, or any other education choice program, have insisted that state taxpayers should only cover the education expenses of those who stay in the public school system. No private help. No religious institutions. No assistance, even for those who need it most.
But the Idaho Launch program? Well, there's a bit of irony. The Idaho Workforce Development Council just sent us an updated list of the schools where Launch awards are being used.
Brigham Young University- Idaho? 705 awards.
Northwest Nazarene University? 70 awards.
Dozens of other education businesses not run by the state, including Evans Hairstyle College and Vogue Beauty School, are also covered.
It's hard to make the argument that it's okay for college students to use state taxpayer money on private or religious institutions, but K-12 students should not have the same freedom.
Here's the entire list:
Idaho LAUNCH
Awards by Provider as of October 1, 2024 Provider Number of Launch Awards
Assist to Succeed 1
Austin Kade Academy 1
Aveda Institute Boise 8
Aveda Institute Twin Falls 6
Boise State University 1284
Boise State University - Workforce Training 1
Brigham Young University Idaho 705
Build the Best Institute 2
Carrington College 1
CODEWORKS LLC 4
College of Eastern Idaho 154
College of Eastern Idaho - Workforce Training 53
College of Idaho 92
College of Southern Idaho 587
College of Southern Idaho - Workforce Training 102
College of Western Idaho 647
College of Western Idaho - Workforce Training 103
Cosmetology School of Arts & Sciences 1
Eagle Gate College 5
Eastern Idaho Electrical JATC 11
Evans Hairstyling College 15
ExecuTrain of Idaho 1
Headmasters School of Hair Design - CDA 3
Headmasters School of Hair Design - Lewiston 9
Idaho CDL Training 18
Idaho CPR Plus 1
Idaho Dental Assisting Academy 2
Idaho Medical Academy 7
Idaho State University 927
Idaho State University - Workforce Training 14
Ind. Electrical Contractors of Idaho (IEC Idaho) 3
Lewis-Clark State College 247
Lewis-Clark State College - Workforce Training 11
Medical Career Academy 1
Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology 7
North Idaho College 264
North Idaho College - Workforce Training 71
North Idaho Dental Personnel 7
Northwest Lineman College 40
Northwest Nazarene University 70
Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology 41
Paul Mitchell the School - Boise 15
Paul Mitchell the School - Coeur d'Alene 23
Paul Mitchell the School - Nampa 10
Paul Mitchell the School - Rexburg 28
Paul Mitchell the School - Twin Falls 3
Plumbers & Pipefitters SW Idaho JATC 7
Prime Line Academy 18
Pro-Weld Welding School 2
Rexburg College of Massage Therapy 1
S&P CDL Training LLC 4
Sage Truck Driving School - Blackfoot 2
Sage Truck Driving School - Caldwell 1
Sage Truck Driving School - Coeur d'Alene 5
Sage Truck Driving School - Idaho Falls 6
SE Idaho Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC 2
South East Idaho Dental Assisting 2
SW Idaho Electrical Training Center 3
The Salon Professional Academy 13
Top Gun Trucking Academy 12
Treasure Valley Community College Caldwell 9
University of Idaho 785
Vogue Beauty School 12
Western Governors University 5