Walking Challenge engages Idaho elected officials
Steps for Schools
The health of Idaho’s children begins with kids exercising. Elected officials can help by setting a good example and serving as positive role models for our youth.
The Steps for Schools walking challenge empowers Idaho lawmakers (state legislators and constitutional officers) to get involved and earn funds for a school of their choice to purchase equipment that encourages students to be active.
Our Goals
Every February during the Idaho legislative session, Steps for Schools motivates participants to be active for their own health as well as the school of their choice. Steps for Schools has four goals:
- Remind lawmakers to think about children’s health issues
- Highlight our lawmakers as positive role models for children
- Create awareness about health issues in Idaho
- Promote child wellness throughout Idaho
How it works:
1
Elected officials wear an activity tracker and commit to walking every day in February
2
Elected officials earn funds for an Idaho public school or charter school of their choice by averaging 5,000 ($500) or 10,000 ($1,000) steps
3
The funds can be used for equipment, programs or projects that encourages children to be active
Funding for Idaho Schools!
Thank you to the 53 legislators and constitutional officers who completed the 2025 Steps for Schools walking challenge to earn $40,500 for Idaho schools. Legislators with questions about Steps for Schools can email info@bcidahofoundation.org.
Steps for Schools History
The Steps for Schools walking challenge began in 2015 and takes place each February during the legislative session.
| Year | Participants | Amount to Idaho schools |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 15 | $16,000 |
| 2016 | 21 | $11,950 |
| 2017 | 25 | $11,950 |
| 2018 | 34 | $17,000 |
| 2019 | 45 | $22,500 |
| 2020 | 52 | $38,250 |
| 2021 | 60 | $50,000 |
| 2022 | 70 | $53,500 |
| 2023 | 74 | $48,000 |
| 2024 | 75 | $48,000 |
| 2025 | 53 | $40,500 |
What They’re Saying
Participants talk about the Steps for Schools walking challenge
I’ve enjoyed participating and appreciate what the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is doing, and tying it to the schools is a great idea.
Maryanne JordanFormer Idaho State SenatorThank you so much it is a pleasure to work with this program and it was quite enjoyable trying to walk more than usual and get funds for these lower income teens. Thank you for offering the program for us.”
Marco A. EricksonIdaho State RepresentativeThank you for this great opportunity. It will keep me walking.
Julie YamamotoFormer Idaho State RepresentativeThis is such a wonderful program, always a pleasure to be a part! Thanks so much for supporting our youth and health and physical activity!!!
Muffy DavisFormer Idaho State Representative
