Schools looking to further help students suffering from mental health issues.

In September, the spotlight is on a college student population that is often overlooked: parents. This month is student parent month and studies show this group is less likely to get a degree than their peers. However, some colleges and universities are finding ways to better accommodate them, including Boise State University. They have set up a family study room in Albertsons Library.

The U.S. Department of Education announced nearly $74 million in new, five-year Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants to support an additional 30 local educational agencies, nonprofits, and other public or private organizations and institutions of higher education working to expand community schools including by making awards in four new states: Idaho, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Ohio. 

Idaho high school students reported less bullying, cigarette smoking and sexual activity in the State Department of Education’s biannual youth risk behavior survey. But teens reported increased e-cigarette use, feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.

For many young adults, college is a time full of excitement and exploration. However, this time can also be challenging for students' mental health. For this reason it’s important to know the common warning signs of mental health issues and the resources that are available to students for help.

About 2.5 million children in the U.S. currently are homeless, according to the National Center on Family Homelessness. That number is rising as house prices and rental costs continue to grow in cities large and small, and the trend is clearly visible in Boise — the fastest-growing city in the nation.

“North Idaho STEM Academy was created at the request of parents and the community.” The first line of the school’s promotional video, found on its website, underscores a key – indeed, perhaps the most important — tenet of North Idaho STEM Academy: it was created for the community, and by the community.