Boise State Athletics
Boise State Athletics Seeking High Schools for Mental Health Initiative
3/12/2026 3:45:00 PM | General
Selected schools will receive funds, guidance, and resources to launch campaign
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics is seeking six new Idaho high schools to participate in the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program, a 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, department advisors, and join a network of 16 high schools actively engaged in spreading a message of hope in their schools and communities. Details and how to apply for the program can be found at BroncoBOLD H.S. Ambassador Application.
"BroncoBOLD has given our students the confidence and platform to lead conversations around mental health in our school and throughout our community," said Emily Wright, school counselor and BOLD advisor, Glenns Ferry High School. "For students in the Treasure Valley and our rural communities, this partnership shows that their voices matter and their leadership can create real change. Being recognized by Boise State Athletics reinforces that mental wellness starts with empowering young people and supporting them wherever they live and learn."
"Thank you to Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation for their generous support and commitment to expanding mental health and wellness resources in our community," said Boise State Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey. "It's so exciting to see the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program continue to grow and equip even more students and administrators in the Treasure Valley with tools and confidence to lead and address the mental health challenges. I'm grateful for Stephanie's leadership and for our student-athletes to be a part of our community through the program as we continue to represent something bigger than ourselves."
In addition to the educational resources, each high school will have the opportunity to apply for direct funding to support mental health programming at their school, as well as funds to launch their own mental health campaign.Â
"As we enter year four of the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program and grow to 22 schools, we're excited to continue expanding our statewide reach while deepening partnerships with smaller school districts and rural communities across Idaho," said Stephanie Donaldson, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Counseling & Mental Performance at Boise State Athletics. "We've seen how powerful it is when students are given the tools and support to lead mental health advocacy in their schools. Our goal is to continue building this network so that all students—regardless of the size or location of their school—have the opportunity to lead, connect, and support one another."
In addition to 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. The schools will also be recognized at Bronco athletic competitions.
Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, the 16 participating schools will collectively host more than 400 BOLD Games at their respective campuses, creating visible moments of mental health awareness and support across their communities.
Last fall, BroncoBOLD's annual Chalk the Walk for Mental Health united more than 75 primary and secondary schools across Southern Idaho, marking an 87% increase from the previous year and more than doubling student participation, demonstrating the power of a growing, community-wide commitment to mental health.
"Serving as an ambassador for the past three years has allowed me to witness a profound shift within myself and the Timberline community," said Sam Richins, BOLD student leader from Timberline H.S. "I've grown more confident in my ability to connect with fellow student-athletes about the challenges we face, which has helped foster a much more open and positive mental health culture on our campus. The BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador program has been deeply impactful for me, and I hope other schools feel empowered to apply and cultivate this same positive change for their own students."
The BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program was made possible in part through a generous grant from the locally-based Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation (HMWCF).Â
Applications are due via online submission by April 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. (MT).
Details and how to apply for the program can be found at BroncoBOLD H.S. Ambassador Application. Visit BroncoBOLD - Boise State University Athletics to learn more.
About BroncoBOLD
In 2019, BroncoBOLD was created by a committee of Boise State student-athletes, representing multiple sport programs. All committee members were passionate about mental health advocacy work and dedicated themselves to championing a message of hope, help, and resiliency with fellow student-athletes and their community utilizing the platform of sport.Â
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.Â
BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Schools
Bishop Kelly High School
Boise High School
Borah High School
Capital High School
Centennial High School
Eagle High School
Glenns Ferry High School
Kuna High School
Marsing High School
Meridian High School
Mountain Home High School
Mountain View High School
Nampa High School
Owyhee High School
Rocky Mountain High School
Timberline High School
