Idaho Community Schools Federal Funding Update

Updated December 31, 2025 | 2:00 PM MST

What’s the latest?

United Way of Treasure Valley has received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Education that the continuation award for Idaho’s Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) State Scaling Grant has been approved.

Following additional clarification and review of documentation previously provided, the Department confirmed on December 31, 2025 that federal funding for Idaho’s Community Schools initiative will continue as originally awarded.

This update follows earlier communication regarding the status of the grant. We’re grateful for the Department’s careful review and for the opportunity to move forward with this important work.

United Way’s official press release on the latest update can be accessed here.

What this means for Idaho students and communities

The continuation of FSCS funding ensures that Community Schools across Idaho can continue providing locally led, community-driven supports that help students succeed in school and in life.

This funding supports:

  • School-based community school coordinators who connect students and families to needed resources

  • Family engagement efforts that strengthen relationships between schools and caregivers

  • Access to mental health supports, basic needs assistance, and enrichment opportunities

  • Career-connected learning opportunities and partnerships that help students plan for what comes next

Community Schools are a proven, non-partisan strategy that reflects Idaho values — practical, locally driven, and responsive to the unique strengths and needs of each community.

Background: Idaho’s Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) State Scaling Grant

In 2023, United Way of Treasure Valley applied for and was awarded a five-year Full-Service Community Schools State Scaling Grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant supported 65 schools across Idaho, including 47 rural public schools, in implementing the community school strategy over five years (January 1, 2024–December 31, 2028).

Community schools in Idaho are locally led and guided by school districts, families, and community partners through the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools.

 

A strong coalition, working together

This outcome reflects both the demonstrated impact of Community Schools across Idaho and the strength of the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools — a partnership-driven effort rooted in shared leadership among schools, communities, and statewide partners.

United Way of Treasure Valley is deeply grateful to the Idaho Department of Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, and coalition partners across the state for their leadership, collaboration, and advocacy on behalf of Idaho students and families.

What FSCS Funding Supports in Idaho

Community schools are a locally driven strategy that brings together educators, families, and community partners to support student success.

FSCS funding has supported:

  • Literacy and STEM learning supports

  • Student and school staff mental health resources

  • Career-connected learning opportunities

  • Afterschool and summer enrichment

  • A full-time, on-site community school coordinator at participating schools

  • Ongoing technical assistance to build long-term capacity and sustainability

 

What is a Community School?

Community schools are K–12 neighborhood public schools that listen to and lead with parents and community leaders to address barriers to learning and strengthen student success.

In Idaho:

  • Leaders in 65 public schools serving approximately 25,000 students have adopted the community school strategy

  • Schools use local leadership and partnerships to respond to community needs and priorities

 

FSCS Funds at Work Locally for Idaho Kids and Families

FSCS funding supports Community Schools in the following Idaho communities:

  • American Falls School District
  • Caldwell School District
  • Cascade School District
  • Coeur d’Alene School District
  • Emmett School District
  • Garden Valley School District
  • Genesee School District
  • Homedale School District
  • Jefferson School District
  • Jerome School District
  • Marsing School District
  • Middleton School District
  • Minidoka School District
  • Moscow School District
  • Mountain Home School District
  • Nampa School District
  • Notus School District
  • Parma School District
  • Salmon River School District
  • Soda Springs School District
  • Teton School District
  • Wilder School District

 

Media Coverage and Statements

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lukas Robertson
Marketing & Communications Strategist
United Way of Treasure Valley
lrobertson@unitedwaytv.org | 208-713-0179