The Jed Foundation Intermountain West Learning Series

School districts and education leaders across the Intermountain West are invited to participate in The Jed Foundation (JED)’s four-part learning series focused on the evolving landscape of school mental health. The series provides district leaders with nonpartisan, evidence-informed, and actionable strategies to enhance student mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention amid shifting policies, fiscal pressures, and technological change.

Promoting Student Mental Health Across Policy, Practice, and Emerging Challenges


Grounded in JED’s Comprehensive Approach, this webinar series supports leaders in clarifying priorities and strengthening system-level alignment across district, school, and community efforts. Each session includes practical tools, real-world examples, and discussion designed to support leaders navigating complexity in today’s district environments.

Who should attend: District, school, and community leaders from Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

Session 1: Student-Centered Learning Through a Mental Health Lens

Register Here

Feb. 11, 2026, at 12 p.m. MT

In rural communities, strong relationships and a sense of belonging are at the heart of student success. This session explores how integrating mental health into existing district practices can strengthen both learning and well-being, with a focus on student-centered, sustainable approaches to help every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Develop a shared understanding of how student mental health supports learning, belonging, and engagement in rural and small-district contexts.
  • Identify examples of existing district practices that already support student-centered, whole-child development.
  • Reflect on one to two areas where stronger alignment could improve impact, without adding new initiatives.

Session 2: Navigating State Legislative Actions: Implications for Student Mental Health

March 11, 2026, at 12 p.m. MT

This session offers a clear, nonpartisan review of recent and emerging legislative actions across the Mountain West and their implications for student mental health. Participants will build understanding of how state policy translates into practical district-level considerations for mental health programming, services, and staffing.

Key takeaways:

  • Build clarity around key state-level legislative trends affecting student mental health in the Mountain West.
  • Understand how legislation connects to district considerations related to staffing, services, and compliance.
  • Identify questions district leaders should be asking now to prepare for implementation and oversight.

Session 3: Suicide Prevention in Rural Districts

April 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. MT

Rural districts face unique challenges, including limited access to mental health providers, staffing shortages, and privacy concerns in small communities. . This session explores practical strategies and partnerships that support accessible mental health services and strengthen suicide prevention efforts in rural school settings.. 

Key takeaways:

  • Increase understanding of common suicide prevention challenges and opportunities in rural school districts.
  • Learn about a small set of practical strategies and partnerships districts are using to strengthen prevention efforts.
  • Reflect on priority areas for local action, including approaches that support safety and reducing access to lethal means.

Session 4: Student Mental Health and Emerging Technologies: Current Landscape Analysis

May 13, 2026, at 12 p.m. MT

This session explores how emerging technologies, including social media and artificial intelligence, intersect with student mental health. Participants will consider how districts can evaluate these tools and develop district policies and safeguards that support safe, ethical and responsible use,harnessing innovation to promote overall student well-being.

Key takeaways:

  • Build shared awareness of how emerging technologies intersect with student mental health.
  • Understand key considerations districts are weighing related to technology use, safeguards, and student well-being.
  • Reflect on communication approaches that support transparency and thoughtful engagement with staff and families.

 

For more information, contact: 
Jennifer Reed
Senior Director, District Programs
The Jed Foundation
jennifer@jedfoundation.org