Idaho State’s STRIPES Instructor Scholarship Program Celebrates First Graduate

The program, offered through Idaho State University, is known as the STRIPES Instructor Scholarship Program and it allows high school educators to teach dual credit courses while simultaneously pursuing their master's degree. 

The STRIPES Instructor Scholarship Program was established in response to the growing demand for high school teachers qualified to teach dual credit courses within their respective schools. Through this program, teachers pursue a master's program of study that fully certifies them to teach dual credit courses in their specific discipline. Once accepted into the program, instructors can begin teaching while receiving guidance and mentorship from a designated Faculty Liaison Mentor from ISU.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Chelsie Rauh, Director of the Early College Program. "The Stripes Instructor Scholarship Program provides high school teachers with the opportunity to earn their master's degree and gain valuable teaching experience, while students benefit from access to college-level courses taught by qualified instructors."

The program, now entering its fourth cohort in Fall 2023, has seen significant growth since its inception. A total of 21 participants have been involved in the program across the three previous cohorts, with Jensen being the first graduate. While most instructors typically take five years to complete the program, Jensen pursued a plan that allowed him to finish ahead of schedule. He earned a Master of Arts in Communication degree. 

Jensen, who also does college and career advising at American Falls High School, graduated in 2016 from ISU with an undergraduate communication degree. He says he had not thought it would be possible to pursue a master’s degree, but when he was approached about the program by Holly Kartchner, Director of Outreach and Retention for the College of Arts and Letters in 2020, he saw it as an excellent opportunity.

“I thought about doing a master’s degree but it was further down the road,” Jensen said. “This opportunity was perfect. It was a great fit and opportunity to advance in my career and be able to help students in the process.”

Jensen has been teaching Communication 1101, a dual credit course offered by ISU, providing high school students with an early college experience. He also recently piloted a new dual credit course called ACAD 1101, which focuses on college learning strategies. This course is typically taken by freshmen at ISU, but offering it to high school students enables them to better prepare themselves for the challenges of college life.

Reflecting on the benefits of the program, Jensen said he was able to improve his teaching skills because of his coursework in communication, which in turn, positively impacted his students. 

“Being able to pursue my master's degree and take courses that enhance my teaching abilities has been incredibly beneficial,” he said.

Jensen says that the dual credit courses he teaches to high schoolers in communication and academic strategies give students a head start in college, helping them develop vital communication skills necessary for success.

The dual credit courses offered by American Falls School District have proven to be a hit among students, with 13 students enrolled in the communication course and 15 in the academic strategies course this past academic year. These courses not only provide students with college credits but also equip them with essential communication skills that are crucial for their academic and personal growth.

Jensen encourages educators to consider participating in the STRIPES Instructor Scholarship Program, emphasizing the unique opportunity it provides for professional advancement and helping students. 

"If someone is looking to earn a degree when they thought it wouldn't be possible, this program is a great opportunity. It allows you to advance your career while making a difference in students' lives,” he said. 

For more information about the STRIPES program, contact Chelsie Rauh at (208) 282-6067, or email rauhchel@isu.edu.