ISU's Project EMPWRing Boosts School Mental Health with $4.5M Grant

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — Idaho State University's Project EMPWRing, funded by a $4.5 million U.S. Department of Education grant, aims to expand mental health services in high-need K-12 schools across the state. Announced as part of ISU's broader education outreach, the program trains community-based service providers to bolster school resources, targeting districts in rural areas like those in eastern Idaho where access is limited. The initiative builds on ISU's College of Education efforts, including the Future Educators of Idaho program, to support aspiring teachers and current staff. Through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, Project EMPWRing equips schools to address mental health challenges exacerbated by post-pandemic stressors. ISU's involvement aligns with the Idaho State Board of Education's priorities, such as doubling dual-credit enrollment and expanding the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. The College of Education and The Albion Center for Professional Development are leading training modules, setting a national standard for accessible educator support in underserved communities. Complementing these efforts, ISU's College of Technology offers the free START program, a one-semester prep course for new students, while the university's 2023-2027 Strategic Plan emphasizes reinvestment in education. As Idaho grapples with workforce shortages in teaching and counseling, Project EMPWRing positions Pocatello-based ISU as a hub for statewide impact, with initial implementations underway in partnering high-need schools.