Swing for the Green Tournament Raises $12,000 for START Program

The $12,000 donation was a result of the first annual Swing for the Green golf tournament in Pocatello — which is a partnership with the Bank of Idaho, the ISU College of Technology and the START program. The funds will be used to provide scholarships for students who complete the START program to go on to college.

The START program was established over 10 years ago through a grant provided by the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation. START is a free one-semester college preparation program that provides social and academic support as students manage barriers while they pursue sustainable education, career and life goals. Students take courses in English, math, and other college-prep curriculum. In addition, students are provided with mentoring, tutoring and training in emotional intelligence as well as career and mental health counseling.

The services provided through the START program help students in dealing with challenges both academically and in their personal lives. Career counseling helps students to identify what careers and education pathways are available to them based on interests and talents. If the student successfully completes the requirements of the START program, a scholarship of $1,000 to $1,500 is awarded to each student to pursue the college program of their choice at Idaho State University.

The funds to support the START scholarship were raised during the Swing for the Green tournament at Riverside Golf Course in August 2022. The event hosted 10 teams and featured a variety of fun events on each hole. Several vacations were also auctioned off at the conclusion of the tournament.

“The money that has been raised through the generous efforts of the Bank of Idaho will make a tremendous difference in helping students achieve their educational goals which will have positive generational and community impact for years to come,” said Cherisse Brown, director of the START program.

With the support of the Bank of Idaho, the Swing for the Green golf tournament will be an annual event held in Pocatello with the objective of creating long-term sustainability of scholarship funds for future students. For more information on the Swing for the Green golf tournament or the START program, please contact Cherisse Brown at (208) 282-4359 or cherissebrown@isu.edu.