For Immediate Release:
October 7, 2026
Contact: Marissa Morrison
208-332-1591
[email protected]
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho State Board of Education has extended the application deadline for Cohort 5 of the Rural and Underserved Educator Incentive Program (RUEIP) from September 30, 2026, to October 30, 2026. The extension gives eligible educators additional time to apply.
The RUEIP supports educators serving in Idaho’s rural and underserved schools by providing financial assistance through federal student loan repayment and reimbursement of qualifying educational expenses. Eligible participants may receive up to $12,000 over four years ($1,500 in Year 1, $2,500 in Year 2, $3,500 in Year 3, and $4,500 in Year 4), subject to annual appropriations and continued program eligibility.
“Recruiting and keeping great teachers in our rural and underserved communities is one of the most important things we can do for Idaho students, and this program is a meaningful tool to help make that happen,” Idaho State Board of Education Executive Director Jennifer White said. “We want to make sure every eligible educator has the chance to apply. Many may be surprised to learn they qualify, so we encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible to take a closer look before the new deadline.”
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be employed as full-time (1.0 FTE) instructional or pupil service staff (administrators are not eligible)
- Hold a standard (5-year renewable) Idaho certificate
- Work in an eligible rural and/or underserved Idaho public school or public charter school
- Have qualifying federal student loan debt or eligible educational expenses
School and district leaders are encouraged to share this opportunity with eligible instructional and pupil service staff, particularly educators who may not yet be aware of the program.
Complete program information, eligibility requirements, and application instructions are available on the Idaho State Board of Education website.
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About Idaho State Board of Education
The mission of the Board is “To drive improvement of the K-20 education system for the citizens of Idaho, focusing on quality, results, and accountability.”
