What is the Rural Expansion Initiative?
The Rural Expansion Initiative is a project of the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools (the Coalition) dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Community Schools throughout rural Idaho. Community Schools are neighborhood public schools that partner with their local communities to foster environments where every student can thrive. The Rural Expansion Initiative is made possible through the recent Full Service Community Schools grant award from the U.S. Department of Education, providing a transformational $46M throughout Idaho communities over the next five years.
If you have not had a chance to see the exciting award announcement, check out this video of our visit from U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, in November 2023 announcing this catalytic investment.
What Does the Rural Expansion Initiative Make Possible?
Through statewide collaboration, the Coalition will activate the power of the Community School Strategy to support local communities throughout Idaho to help ensure every student can succeed. Key highlights of the exciting work ahead include:
- Hyper-local, student and community-centered leadership
- Full-time Community School Coordinators in all participating schools
- Activation of community assets to align and coordinate resources to best support school and community needs.
- Increased funding and support for schools and partners to implement programs and opportunities for kids and families.
- Robust and high-quality professional development and training for schools and partners.
- Broadly representative consortium of statewide partners and community members guiding the Coalition in implementation of the project.
- Increased number UWTV staff members dedicated to supporting the uplift of the Coalition and ongoing development of Community Schools across Idaho.
The Rural Expansion Initiative aims to support 50 school sites across 25 school districts over the next five years, with implementation in 10 new school districts anticipated across the state. Work will begin in 24-25 school year for the first cohort of participating schools. Opportunities for new school sites to engage in the second cohort is anticipated to be released in fall 2024.
How can you learn more?
If you are interested in learning more about the Rural Expansion Initiative or becoming a part of the rural Community School movement, you can:
- Watch this video from our partners at Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health featuring rural Community School leaders sharing their stories and experiences of becoming a Community School
- Register here for our July 16th live virtual webinar “Community School 101: Intro to Collaborative Community Impact” for businesses, non-profits, and community members seeking to support their local Community Schools.
- Sign-up here to join the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools mailing list and stay apprised of upcoming opportunities to engage.