Creating Opportunities Coast to Coast

“I want to help others who are in financial need have a chance at an education,” Stinson said. “I’ve had friends at work who struggled to pay for school, sometimes working two or three jobs to help support it. I’ve also seen some denied it entirely because they cannot afford it.”

That realization inspired his commitment to make higher education more accessible. To date, he has created scholarships at six state universities, including a new scholarship endowment at Idaho State University. 

The Ryan Stinson History Scholarship Endowment Fund will offer students majoring in history — particularly those with demonstrated financial need — the support to continue their education. The scholarship prioritizes students who have already shown academic commitment and persistence, recognizing that financial barriers often intensify as students move into their later undergraduate years.

“Getting an education exposes you to knowledge, ideas, diverse points of view, and experiences that forever change how you see the world,” Stinson said. “It gives you tools, so you’re not as easily misled; it can create generational change because an educated person can help others succeed academically; it can help create a more intelligent debate in society to help tackle society’s problems.”

In addition to Idaho State's scholarship, Stinson has plans for at least 26 more scholarships across the country. Outside of his philanthropic work, Stinson dedicates much of his time to researching genealogy and documenting his family’s history. He has written a 105-page book detailing his family’s ancestry and heritage. His commitment to preserving the past parallels his desire to create lasting opportunities for future generations.

“I feel the best legacy I can leave is to help deserving students along in life so they can have a shot at bettering themselves and others," he said.