Boise State Athletics
Boise State Athletics Seeking High Schools for Mental Health Initiative
3/5/2024 3:46:00 PM | General
Selected schools will receive guidance and resources to launch campaign
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics is seeking four Idaho high schools to participate in the second year of the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program. The three-year program provides the education and tools to support motivated high school students and administrators to become active leaders and advocates of mental health on their campus and in their community. Applications are due by April 15 at 5 p.m. (MT).
Schools completing their first year of the program include Borah High School, Capital High School, Marsing High School, and Timberline High School.
"Participating in BroncoBOLD this year has given Capital more tools and awareness of how to help students with mental health concerns," said Jeff Hultberg, assistant principal, Capital High School. "Seeing first hand how Boise State helps their athletes and hearing their testimonials has empowered our students to take an active role in their own health and that of the Capital community. I am excited to see what year two brings and encourage other high schools to jump in and participate."
The inaugural BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program was made possible through a grant from the locally-based Holland M. Ware Foundation. Each high school received educational resources and guidance to equip them with best practices and the skills needed to grow a successful mental health initiative.
"Thanks to the feedback from our current school partners, we have refined and supplemented the program with more tools and resources," said Stephanie Donaldson, Director, Athletic Counseling & Performance Psychology at Boise State Athletics.
In addition to the direct programming for students, Bronco Athletics will provide Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification training and ongoing educational opportunities and resources for staff and administrators.
Each school will be assigned one Boise State student-athlete from the BroncoBOLD Leadership Committee and one Boise State BroncoBOLD staff advisor to serve as consultants.
Launched in the fall of 2019, BroncoBOLD is a student-athlete mental health awareness initiative comprising three pillars: reduce stigma, raise awareness, and cultivate resilience in order to spread a message of hope and help to the entire campus and greater community.
Details about the BroncoBOLD Idaho High School Ambassador Program and how to apply can be found at 2024-25 BroncoBOLD H.S. Ambassador Application. All applications are due via online submission by April 15 at 5 p.m. (MT). The schools will be announced on April 29.
Visit BroncoBOLD to learn more.
