Similar to DL56, “United in Play,” we love that this initiative focuses on mental health support both for youth athletes, and for the people directly around them. Building a more supportive and understanding environment is key at every age, and involvement in these kinds of programs from a young age sets the stage for a healthier, more inclusive future.

The partnership between Boise State and Idaho’s high schools is also a great example of sports entities, and even academia, working together across various levels. It’s great publicity for the university, valuable programming for the state’s schools, and has a positive impact on everyone involved.

There’s also the bonus of this not being a one-off event — the three-year program is designed for sustainable impact. By focusing on education, awareness, and providing tangible tools, Boise State is creating a ripple effect, building a network of mental health advocates within Idaho's high schools. It's a bold move that recognizes the vital connection between athletics and well-being.

YOUR NEXT PLAY:

In a way, you might consider BroncoBOLD to be a peer-to-peer campaign. College students are teaching high school students, and college staff is teaching high school staff. If the initiative was simply coming from the top-down, the message would likely be tuned-out by the younger groups. But by leveraging peer influence, the work is much more likely to land.

How can you take the same approach, and bring greater relatability, to your future efforts? And, what are some ways you might measure their impact so that others can learn from you?