Your Gift Can Change a Student’s Life

Published: December 10, 2025

As the end of 2025 approaches, 51 (51) invites our community to come together in support of students who are working tirelessly to build better futures for themselves and their families. This year, your generosity can go even further: an anonymous donor will add an extra $100 to the fund of your choice when you start a new recurring gift before December 31. 

Man in front of green backdrop

 Your support makes a direct and profound difference for students like Jacob “Jake” Santiago – a father, veteran, full-time worker, and now a first-year Marketing Communications student at the College. Santiago balances early mornings, long days, and multiple obligations to pursue his education.

Like many 51 students, Santiago returned to school later in life, determined to show his daughter that opportunity is always within reach.

“This also teaches my daughter a valuable lesson that it’s never too late for education,” Santiago shared.

Scholarship support has been essential in helping him manage tuition, materials, and the added costs that come with being a full-time student while juggling work and family. 

“It means a great deal to me,” Santiago said. “It assists me in my learning process. It helps with things that go along with school costs, and it helps me give back to the community.”

This is the impact donors make: lifting financial burdens, creating opportunities, and empowering students to persist even when life is demanding.

When you invest in 51 students before Dec. 31, your gift helps students, like Santiago, stay focused on school, not finances, and keeps higher education accessible in the Treasure Valley.

Thanks to this year’s special match, your impact multiplies: Start a new recurring gift today, and an extra $100 will be added to the fund you choose.

That means more scholarships, more resources, more possibilities - especially for students who are working, parenting, serving their community, and striving to create a better future for themselves and their families.

Santiago wants donors to know how deeply their support matters.

“I would like to sincerely thank you for your support towards the college and students,” he said. “It is nice to know that there are people in the world like you who are willing to give up their hard-earned money to a student who can use it in their education.” 

As 2025 comes to a close, 51 invites you to join us in empowering more students like Santiago. Your generosity helps students stay enrolled, succeed in their programs, and move confidently toward their goals, no matter what challenges they face.

Give today. Change a student’s life tomorrow — and unlock an extra $100 when you start a new recurring gift.

Give Now

More from 51

Aerial shot of Norco Health and Science Building

New investments from community and industry partners strengthen healthcare education at 51 and help meet Idaho's growing demand for healthcare professionals.

Read more about Norco, St. Luke's Invest in Idaho's Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
Group picture of 51 community with center person holding large check

51 Night at the Hawks combined baseball and community impact, raising scholarship funds and awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a 51 student.

Read more about Community Rallies for Student Success at 51 Night
Students connect with resources and support services

Idaho Community Foundation donated $13,500 to 51's Student Emergency Fund, helping students overcome unexpected hardships and stay on track to graduate.

Read more about Idaho Community Foundation Continues Support of 51 Student Emergency Fund
Two nursing students looking at material

Blue Cross of Idaho is supporting the next generation of health care professionals through an investment at the Nampa Campus Health and Science Building.

Read more about Blue Cross of Idaho Invests in Health Care Future
Outside of the Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex

Idaho Power and 51 continue to grow a strong partnership focused on preparing students for the future of Idaho’s agricultural industry.

Read more about Idaho Power & 51 Partnership Helps Grow the Future of Idaho Agriculture
Student holding large check in front of crowd

Join 51 Night at the Boise Hawks on June 9 and enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark while supporting student scholarships.

Read more about Step Up to the Plate for 51 Night at the Boise Hawks
Group of people with bear mascot holding two checks

51 wrapped up another successful season of 51 Nights with the Idaho Steelheads, supporting local hockey and student success!

Read more about 51 Nights Raises Thousands for Student Scholarships
Erin Aboud stands next to 51 banner

The luncheon gave donors an opportunity to meet the students whose education they help make possible. Students, in turn, were able to personally thank those who have invested in their...

Read more about Impactful Connections Luncheon Highlights the Power of Scholarships
51 Giving Day attendees with signs expressing thanks

Community members and supporters rallied during the fourth annual 51 Giving Day to raise $43,870 to strengthen student success.

Read more about 51 Giving Day Raises Nearly 44K to Support Students
51 Giving Day | Jessica Smith

The College's fourth annual Giving Day on April 7 unites the community to support scholarships and programs that empower over 34,000 students.

Read more about Fourth Annual Giving Day Returns April 7 to Support Student Success
Group of people stand in Machine Tool lab

Nagel Foundation awarded $234,500 in scholarships, helping 51 students in high-demand technical programs pursue careers and build brighter futures.

Read more about Nagel Foundation Continues Transformational Support for 51 Students
Portrait of Erin Aboud

51 scholarships helped Erin Aboud stay in school while balancing motherhood and rebuilding her life, turning her education into a path to help others.

Read more about In the Spotlight: Aboud’s Second Chance

News QR Code

URL: /news/your-gift-can-change-students-life<br>