The University of Idaho has placed five students into the prestigious Roth Scholars program, a competitive two-year leadership initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of community-focused problem-solvers and career-ready professionals.
The five Idaho students selected for the second cohort are Elena Bean from Canyon County, Ryan Povey and Grace Wangeman from Twin Falls County, and Savannah Hauser and Zia Izzard from Kootenai County. They join 20 peers from four other land-grant universities—Auburn University, Rutgers University, Ohio State University, and the University of Minnesota—to form a class of 25 scholars nationally.
Program Focus and Structure
The Roth Scholars program emphasizes hands-on, research-based work on community-identified challenges. Participants develop and implement projects that address real local needs while gaining practical experience in leadership, collaboration, and career preparation. The two-year commitment allows scholars to move beyond traditional classroom learning and engage directly with their communities.
Heather Elliott, chief development and marketing officer of the National 4-H Council, described the program’s value: “The 4-H Leadership Academy gives young people the opportunity to explore complex issues, learn from experts and turn ideas into action.”
Program Origins and Support
The Roth Scholars initiative grew from a substantial philanthropic commitment. In 2024, entrepreneur and philanthropist Joel Roth contributed $1.1 million to establish the program across participating universities. Roth passed away in 2025, but his legacy continues through the scholars working on projects in their home communities.
The program is part of the broader Beyond Ready initiative, which aims to prepare 10 million young people for success in career and civic life by 2030. As a land-grant institution with deep roots in community engagement and agricultural extension work, the University of Idaho is well-positioned to support students pursuing meaningful local projects.
The selection of these five students reflects the university’s commitment to developing leaders who understand regional challenges and possess the skills to address them. The diverse geographic representation—from the panhandle to southern Idaho—underscores the breadth of talent emerging from across the state.
For more information about 4-H programs and leadership opportunities at the University of Idaho, students and families can contact the University of Idaho or the National 4-H Council.
What Comes Next
The five scholars will begin their two-year program immediately, developing and launching community-based projects tailored to regional needs. Progress updates and project milestones are expected throughout the academic year as the cohort moves from planning to implementation phases.