50 Years of Supporting Student Education
Eagle resident Elaine Ambrose, a bestselling author and publisher, recently introduced her latest publication: A collection of student essays to celebrate America250 in Idaho. She organized and sponsored the Thomas Jefferspud Writing Contest with the America250 in Idaho Program, Ideal Idaho College Savings Program, and her company Eagle River Publishing.
“We selected 21 essays from students across Idaho,” said Ambrose. “Their compelling stories introduce unique perspectives to honor revolutionary figures who were instrumental in our nation’s founding.”
The books are available in paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. Proceeds benefit America250 in Idaho.
Ambrose has promoted student education throughout her 50-year career.
In 1976, as assistant director of High School Services for the University of Utah, she wrote a communications program encouraging high school students to attend college. Her program won first place in a national competition sponsored by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, CASE. She received the award at the famous Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.
In 1989, as a manager for Boise Cascade Corporation at the corporate headquarters in Boise, she wrote and implemented a national program called “Ready to Read.” The project supplied funds and books to towns and libraries where Boise Cascade facilities were located, including Idaho. She traveled to Maine, Mississippi, Illinois, California, and other states to establish the program and organize volunteer tutors. For her efforts, she was awarded “Distinguished Citizen” by the Idaho Statesman.
In 1990, she helped organize the “Year of the Young Reader Rally” in Boise that drew thousands of students together to celebrate reading with songs, cheers, and storytelling activities. She received the 1990 Celebrate Literacy Award from. The Horizon Reading Council.
In 1990, she was part of the original planning committee for the Boise River Festival and served as chair for the children’s talent shows as students from across the county were chosen to perform on the Main Stage in Ann Morrison Park.
In 2003, Ambrose was chosen as a TWIN Honoree by the Women’s and Children’s Alliance for her professional contributions as a writer and publisher.
In 2014, Idaho Business Review named her as one of the Women of the Year honorees for her volunteer and professional contributions.
In 2017, Ambrose organized a children’s writing contest in conjunction with the Idaho Potato Drop for New Year’s Eve. Winning students read their essays on stage and received cash prizes and books.
In 2019, Ambrose established the Ambrose Storytelling Endowment at the University of Idaho. The program creates annual workshops and provides cash awards to students and faculty.
Ambrose has written 16 books, including three award-winning children’s books designed to be read aloud to children. Her two books for grandparents include a storytelling journal with an emphasis on reading and writing.
The publication for America250 in Idaho is one of three anthologies Ambrose has published to enable more than 80 writers to become published authors. Next month, she continues teaching writing workshops to veterans with the Boise VA Medical Center. The third-generation Idahoan isn’t ready to stop promoting education.
