Frequently
Asked Questions

The Idaho Coalition for Community Schools, which is backboned by United Way of Treasure Valley, is a statewide organization that works with educators, families, and local partners to create school environments that nurture student success by caring for kids’ well-being and providing meaningful educational experiences.

A community school is a public school that partners with families and local organizations to provide an environment where all students can thrive. This looks different in every community but may include integrated student services, such as mental health resources, basic needs support, and enrichment activities.

ICCS supports the expansion of community schools across Idaho by providing tools, expertise, and connections to local leaders, advocating for community schools to state and local leaders, and fostering a statewide network of schools serving their local communities. We provide technical assistance and professional development to community school practitioners, and regularly offer public informative webinars to share community school strategy with interested parties.

Since 2016, ICCS has been working with district and local leaders to build and support community schools in Idaho.

Community schools address students’ needs beyond the classroom, allowing them to focus on learning. This support improves student outcomes, such as attendance, academic performance, and graduation rates.

Idaho’s diverse communities require tailored support. Community schools leverage local knowledge and resources to address specific needs, fostering stronger ties between schools and communities and ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed.

We are thrilled to announce our receipt of a $46 million dollar Full Service Community Schools grant from the United States Department of Education. This grant is dedicated to expanding the community school strategy across rural Idaho over the next five years. Utilizing this hyper-local approach, rural areas throughout Idaho unite to address their unique challenges and leverage local strengths.

Parents and community members can support community schools by volunteering, participating in school activities, offering professional expertise, and advocating for the community school model with local and state leaders. Every school’s needs are different, so we encourage you to talk to your local school and ask where they could use your skills.

ICCS envisions a statewide network of community schools where all students have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed, leading to stronger communities and a brighter future for Idaho.

There are many ways, we hold regular recurring Community School 101 webinars, which are open to anyone interested. We also send out a monthly newsletter with updates on our statewide efforts, and local school highlights. Make sure you follow us on social media (@idahocommunityschools) as well!