Boise State Athletics Seeking High Schools for Mental Health Initiative

Selected schools will receive funds, guidance and resources to launch campaign

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics is seeking four state-wide high schools to participate in the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program. Selected schools will participate in the three-year program that provides 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. Each school will receive direct mentorship from Boise State student-athletes and department advisors.

Area high schools that are participating in the program include: Bishop Kelly, Boise, Borah, Capital, Centennial, Marsing, Meridian, Nampa, Owyhee and Timberline High Schools.

"Our participation in the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program through Boise State Athletics has far exceeded our expectations," said Sarah Campbell, Boise H.S. Counselor and BroncoBOLD H.S. Ambassador program advisor. "What began as an opportunity to promote mental health awareness among our student body quickly evolved into a powerful, school-wide movement driven by student leadership and fueled by purpose. Our student leaders fully embraced the challenge, using the templates, campaign materials, and guidance provided by BroncoBOLD to implement a mental health campaign tailored to our campus culture. The program didn't just hand us resources—it empowered our students to take initiative, open important conversations, and create a safe, supportive environment for their peers."

In addition to the educational resources, each high school will have the opportunity to apply for up to $2,500 in qualifying goods, supplies, equipment, and mental health programming for their school's counseling office, and up to $1,500 in qualifying goods and services to launch their own mental health campaign.

"We are excited to partner with local schools to share mental health best practices, tools, and resources," said Stephanie Donaldson, Assistant Athletic Director, Athletic Counseling & Performance Psychology at Boise State Athletics. "When a high school becomes a BroncoBOLD Ambassador they become part of a network of passionate individuals and agents of change."

In addition to the direct programming for students, Bronco Athletics will provide the opportunity for ambassador schools to attend Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification workshops and QPR training (Question, Persuade, and Refer) as well as other ongoing educational opportunities and resources for staff and administrators.

Campbell agreed, stating, "the structure of the BroncoBOLD program made it easy for our students to organize events, launch awareness campaigns, and lead with empathy. Most importantly, it gave them the confidence and tools to be change makers in their own school community which gave them a great sense of pride. Bringing in guest speakers from Boise State was also very impactful for our entire student body to have the ability to be involved and to hear from student-athletes and coaches at the collegiate level. I would strongly encourage every school to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether you're just beginning to address student mental health or looking to strengthen an existing initiative, the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program offers a dynamic, student-led approach that brings mental health advocacy to life in a truly meaningful way."

The BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program was made possible through a generous grant from the locally-based Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation (HMWCF).

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.

Applications are due via online submission by May 2, 2025 at 5 p.m. (MT).

Details about the BroncoBOLD Idaho High School Ambassador Program and how to apply can be found at BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador application or via the QR code below.

Visit BroncoBOLD to learn more.

About Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation

The Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation is a private foundation that promotes the prevention of cruelty, assists communities in the care of the needy and local law enforcement.

- BroncoSports.com -

Boise State Athletics Seeking High Schools for Mental Health Initiative

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