As a state, the most important battle we will wage is for the talent who can move our workplaces and economy forward. Investing in the talent we already have within our borders is paramount to these efforts. Keeping Idaho’s best and brightest in our state, and supporting them as they seek the education they need to succeed in a 21^st Century workforce, is the greatest gift we can give to future generations.

This calling has been at the core of the Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship program since its founding in 1974. Governor Cecil D. Andrus recognized the need for a program that carried the weight of the state’s highest office to shine the spotlight on Idaho’s kids and their potential.

 In the decades since, hundreds have benefited from the investment and generosity of Idaho companies, community organizations and leaders who step up to sponsor this event year after year. In the past decade alone, 250+ students from every corner of the state have received Governor’s Cup scholarships which provide $3,000 a year for up to four years for academic recipients and $3,000 a year for up to three years for students who attend career technical education programs in Idaho.

 It’s a tradition with an honorable mission. Under the leadership and commitment of Idaho Governors Cecil Andrus, John Evans, Phil Batt, Dirk Kempthorne, Jim Risch, and now C.L. “Butch” Otter – hundreds of outstanding students have stayed in Idaho for their higher education, benefiting us all through their skill, drive and ambition.

 The scholarship can be life-changing, as 2015 recipient and current College of Idaho senior Natasha Dacic noted, “I would not have been able to attend such a great college in Idaho and be the first to go to college in my family, build those meaningful connections, and develop the leadership and team working skills that I have built if it wasn’t for scholarships like the Idaho Governor’s Cup.”

We’re extremely proud to share that this year the Governor’s Cup program broke fundraising records – bringing in $1.2 million through our event in Sun Valley Sept. 7-9. Due to the passion and commitment of our sponsors and attendees, 38 students were awarded academic and professional technical scholarships as part of the 2017 class. And the future is bright for 2018.

 In honor of the great statesman who started this non-profit scholarship program, and to his commitment to education in Idaho, the Governor’s Cup is proud to have created a Cecil D. Andrus Excellence in Education Scholarship which will be awarded starting in 2018 to an Idaho senior who is planning to attend an Idaho education institution to pursue a career as an educator.

It is up to all of us to continue to make investments in education; and make investments in our next generation. Their – and Idaho’s – future depends on it. To learn more about the amazing students who are furthering their education through this scholarship program, visit www.idahogovernorscup.org/scholarship.

Written by Doug Sayer, chairman of the Idaho Governor’s Cup Board of Directors (a 501c3 organization), and founder and chief business officer of Premier Technology, Inc. in Blackfoot.