Intrepid Potash Donates $25,000 for USU Moab Scholarship Endowment

MOAB, Utah — Utah State University Moab has announced a $25,000 donation from Intrepid Potash-Moab to create an endowment at the USU Moab campus.

The Intrepid Potash Education Partnership Fund will support perpetual scholarships that benefit undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in trade programs and other related programs focusing on engineering, industrial maintenance, fabrication and heavy equipment operation. This endowed fund will create scholarship opportunities year-after-year, affecting generations of students.

“This partnership is especially meaningful because it reflects a deep, long-standing connection between Intrepid Potash and the Moab community,” said Bayley Hedglin, associate director of development at USU. “With more than 60 years of presence in the region, Intrepid is not only investing in education but in the future workforce and economic vitality of the community it calls home. This is a true example of local industry stepping forward to support local students and strengthen the talent pipeline in a way that is both intentional and place-based.”

Intrepid Potash and its predecessors have been an active part of the Moab community for more than 60 years. With this donation, the company seeks to encourage learning, develop professional talent in the local region and to show its commitment to Moab.

“Intrepid is committed to investing in the future of Moab and fostering lasting connections with its residents,” said Travis Fletcher, general manager of Intrepid Potash. “By supporting students in their academic pursuits, Intrepid Potash not only contributes to the personal development of potential future employees but also strengthens its relationship with the community.”

Intrepid hopes this scholarship endowment shows its commitment to investing in the people and institutions that contribute to Moab’s long-term vitality. The company believes education is a powerful driver of opportunity, economic stability and community strength. By helping students overcome financial barriers and develop the skills and knowledge required for meaningful careers in mining and related fields, Intrepid seeks to foster both individual growth and workforce readiness.

“Our primary hope is that students make the most of the opportunities available to them and strive to achieve their personal and professional goals,” Fletcher said. “In the long term, this support will help nurture future leaders, giving them the opportunity to gain the education they desire and equipping them to achieve success. Ultimately, the community benefits as these individuals apply their knowledge and skills locally.”

As part of its land-grant mission, USU seeks to work with local industry to create opportunities for students, promote and bolster the state and local economies and strengthen communities. Collaborations like the Intrepid Potash Education Partnership Fund allow rural and place-bound learners the flexibility to pursue their education close to home while obtaining high-demand training in their region.

“By providing financial support tied to programs offered locally, this fund helps students access high-quality training without leaving their communities,” Hedglin said. “It creates a pathway to stable, well-paying careers while reinforcing the idea that opportunity can and should exist close to home.”

To learn more about the Intrepid Potash Education Partnership Fund scholarship requirements and to apply, contact USU Moab Academic Advisor and Resource Specialist Shanda Thompson.

Located in the outdoor recreation paradise of Moab and boasting one of the greenest buildings on any USU campus, Utah State University Moab offers students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With programs such as Nursing, Elementary Education, Recreation Resource Management and Social Work, technical education in Health Professions, Automotive and Business, and degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, USU Moab offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at moab.usu.edu.