A District Playbook to Address Students’ Growing Mental Health Needs
Education Week reports on how two national organizations partnered to create a district-wide roadmap for boosting students’ mental health.
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The JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative is a transformative two-year initiative developed by JED in partnership with AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and tailored to support district leaders as they improve their school mental health systems. As a leader in protecting student mental health and preventing suicide, our mission is to fully support you in making meaningful, sustainable, and measurable improvements in student well-being in your district.
Our Challenge:
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-34.
- Suicide rates in the Intermountain West are between 1.6-2.6 times greater than in the U.S.
- Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho consistently rank among the states with the highest suicide rates in the nation.
- In 2023, 40% of high school students reported persistent sadness and hopelessness.
- Suicide rates among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native teens ages 15-19 are approximately 2.5-3.5 times greater than rates among other racial or ethnic groups.
The need is urgent — and your leadership can make the difference.
The Opportunity for Intermountain West Districts
JED and AASA will offer the Intermountain West District Mental Health Initiative (DMHI) — a two-year, fully supported opportunity for districts in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to strengthen your district’s school mental health systems.
- Full scholarships available for 10 districts
- Partial scholarships (50%) available for five districts
- Cohort-based learning with peer collaboration
- Customized strategic support from JED regional and national experts
Selection timeline:
- May 18, 2026: Applications open
- May – September: Rolling acceptance notifications
- September 1, 2026: Cohort launch
Application requirements:
- Eligible districts are qualifying public or charter school districts in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
- Districts must provide information for all required fields in the application, as well as any additional information requested by JED during the application process
- Recipients will be determined on a first-come, first-served, rolling basis, subject to the discretion of The Jed Foundation, and the availability of funds
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Apply to Join the 2026 Intermountain West Cohort: Complete the form below to receive the official application for the JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative.
What JED and AASA Intermountain West District Mental Health Initiative Offers:
Comprehensive Assessment & Customized Feedback
JED offers a comprehensive suite of assessments, gathering data to paint a holistic picture of your students’ mental health needs, as well as your current capabilities to meet them. Your district receives a complete professional data analysis and report that includes detailed recommendations and visualizations.
Data-Informed, District-Level Mental Health Strategic Plans
Our team works with your district to create a strategic action plan that will serve as your roadmap for systemic change. The robust plan targets areas in each domain of the Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for Districts.
Expert Insight and Technical Assistance
Our District Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Consultants provide technical assistance, in-person site visits, and ongoing consulting services. Your district will receive personalized support as you implement your strategic plan and develop your team’s capacity.
Sustainability Plan
At the end of the program, your district will receive a detailed progress report and a sustainability plan to maintain and build on your progress.
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High School Programs and Resources
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Mental Health Resource Center
Access resources for teens and young adults about common emotional health issues and how they can make a successful transition to adulthood.