A summit held at Boise State University brought together Idaho high school students to develop skills for leading mental health awareness efforts on their own campuses, through a program called BroncoBOLD. The event gave student participants hands-on training aimed at equipping them to return to their schools and serve as peer advocates for mental wellness.
About the BroncoBOLD Program
BroncoBOLD is designed to cultivate youth leadership around mental health — a growing concern in schools across Ada County and the broader Treasure Valley. The summit connected high schoolers with advisors and program coordinators at Boise State, giving students a structured pathway to take what they learn back to their peers. Sarah Campbell, identified as a BoiseBOLD Advisor, has been involved in supporting students through the program’s development and outreach efforts.
Charlie Farris, a student serving as a CentennialBOLD Ambassador, was among those participating in the initiative. Ambassador roles like Farris’s are central to how the program extends its reach — students are trained not just to understand mental health topics, but to actively lead conversations and create supportive environments at their own schools.
Why Mental Health Leadership Matters in Idaho Schools
Mental health challenges among adolescents have drawn increasing attention from school administrators, parents, and policymakers across Idaho. Programs that train students themselves to carry the message of mental wellness are viewed by many educators as an effective complement to counselor-led resources, particularly in districts where staffing and budget constraints limit access to dedicated mental health professionals.
For Ada County families, the emphasis on student-led leadership reflects a broader effort to build resilience within school communities rather than relying solely on top-down interventions. Teaching teenagers to recognize warning signs in themselves and their peers — and to know when and how to seek help — addresses a real gap that school staff and parents frequently identify.
West Ada School District, which serves tens of thousands of students across Meridian, Eagle, Star, and Kuna, has separately moved to expand student support resources. The district recently expanded free meal access at nine schools starting this fall, part of a wider push to address barriers that affect student well-being and academic performance.
Impact on Ada County Students and Families
When high school students return from a summit like this with training in mental health leadership, the ripple effect can be significant. Peers are often the first to notice when a classmate is struggling — and student ambassadors who have received structured guidance are better prepared to respond constructively, refer a friend to available resources, or simply open a conversation that might not otherwise happen.
For parents across Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and surrounding communities, programs that give teenagers both knowledge and responsibility in this area can build the kind of peer culture that complements what schools and families are already working to foster at home.
Boise State University’s involvement also creates a tangible connection between high school students and a major Idaho institution, potentially encouraging interest in higher education while addressing a pressing community need. The university has seen recent leadership changes, with the Idaho Board of Education earlier confirming Dr. David Hahn as its new president.
What Comes Next
Students who participated in the BroncoBOLD summit are expected to carry their training back to their respective high schools and begin or continue serving as peer mental health ambassadors. Families interested in learning more about youth mental health resources in Ada County can reach out to their school’s counseling office or contact Boise State University directly for information about how the BroncoBOLD program works and whether their student’s school participates.
Parents and community members looking for broader mental health support resources in the Treasure Valley can also connect with Idaho’s statewide behavioral health services through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.