Back-to-school season looks a little different depending on where you live in Idaho. Some schools already have welcomed students into classrooms, while others are counting down the days until the first bell rings. No matter the start date, this season brings a renewed sense of possibility, optimism, and opportunity.

This school year is especially meaningful to the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. We’re celebrating our 25^th anniversary in 2026.  We have partnered with communities across Idaho to improve health and well-being for a quarter century. One lesson has remained constant throughout those 25 years: health is shaped by much more than healthcare. Many of the most important factors influencing lifelong health are found in the places where we live, work, and learn. Education is one of those factors.

Education and Health Go Hand in Hand

Health happens outside of doctor’s offices and hospitals. Schools are places that impact health. Research consistently shows that educational opportunities play a major role in influencing things such as employment prospects, housing stability, social connections, and access to healthcare.

Students who regularly attend school, stay engaged in learning, and graduate high school are more likely to experience better physical, mental, and economic outcomes later in life. Education creates opportunity, and that opportunity creates healthier communities.

That connection is why the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health invests in education-focused initiatives. Improving health often means addressing the root causes and upstream factors that influence well-being long before someone enters a doctor’s office. As we often say, health doesn’t just happen in healthcare settings. It happens where we live, learn, work, and play.

Investing in Idaho’s Future

For the 2026-27 school year, the Foundation remains committed to supporting schools, students, educators, and communities across Idaho through initiatives that strengthen both educational outcomes and community health.

These efforts include:

Youth Behavioral Health

Healthy students learn better. Through partnerships with schools and organizations across Idaho, we support programs, training, and strategies that improve student well-being and create environments where young people can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Student well-being is closely connected to attendance, engagement, and academic success.

Community Schools

Schools are often the heart of a community. The Community Schools strategy helps connect students and families with resources and services while creating strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations. This approach recognizes that student success is a shared responsibility and requires collaboration across sectors.

Health Professions Career Technical Education (CTE)

Idaho communities need a strong healthcare workforce, both today and in the future. Through investments in Health Professions CTE programs, we are helping schools create and expand pathways that prepare students for meaningful careers in healthcare while strengthening Idaho’s workforce pipeline.

Early Education

Quality early learning experiences help children build the skills they need for success in school and beyond. The Foundation continues partnering with school districts and community organizations to expand access to early education opportunities and increase school readiness for Idaho children.

Celebrating 25 Years and Looking Ahead

Anniversaries are a chance to reflect on the relationships, partnerships, and communities that have made our work possible. As we celebrate 25 years of service to Idaho, we are grateful for the educators, school leaders, families, community organizations, and local partners who work every day to help children succeed.

We also know there is more work to do.

The challenges facing students and families today are complex, but so are the opportunities. When communities come together around a shared commitment to education, health, and well-being, meaningful change is possible.

We encourage all Idahoans to support their local schools, celebrate the hard work of educators, and recognize the important role education plays in building healthier futures.

When students have the chance to learn, grow, and thrive, they don’t just achieve better educational outcomes. They experience better health outcomes, stronger opportunities, and brighter futures.

And when Idaho’s children thrive, Idaho thrives.