STORY BY JOY PRUDEK

PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

A new grant opportunity has been launched to empower local teens to take the lead in creating safe, fun, and inclusive events for their peers—an idea sparked directly by youth voices and community data.

The Teen-Led Events Grant Program is now accepting applications, offering up to $3,000 to support youth-led events that build connection, mentorship, and belonging among teens.

This innovative program is a direct response to concerns raised through the Communities for Youth survey and extensive community listening sessions conducted as part of the Blaine County Mental Well-Being Initiative. These efforts revealed that only 35 percent of students reported having a trusted adult outside their family, and just 15 percent reported a strong sense of mattering in the community.

“Teens in our community are asking for more meaningful ways to connect with one another—and we’re listening,” said Jenna Vagias, program director of the Mental Well-Being Initiative. “This program is not just about funding events; it’s about investing in teen leadership, strengthening connection with trusted adults and ensuring that every young person feels seen, heard, and valued.”

Developed by a coalition of local partners through MWBI, the program is designed to:

Empower youth to plan and lead their own events;

Build bridges between teens and trusted adults through mentorship;

Provide healthy alternatives to environments where drugs and alcohol may be present;

Promote inclusivity, purpose, and community connection.

“Giving teens the reins to lead their own initiatives fosters not just confidence and creativity—it’s a real-world investment in their sense of purpose and place,” said Sarah Seppa, manager of St. Luke’s Center for Community Health. “By partnering with adults and organizations, youth gain mentors, role models, and support systems that can truly shape their futures.”

Teens may apply in partnership with schools, nonprofits, local businesses, religious organizations or other community members. Funded projects will be selected based on their ability to promote connection, leadership, mentorship, inclusivity and safe, substance-free environments.

Teens involved in event planning can also be compensated for their efforts, further promoting ownership and leadership development.

This opportunity builds directly on MWBI’s first strategic goal: to foster deeper connection and belonging for teens and across generations. By supporting youth-led events, the program hopes to build the kind of connected, caring community that serves everyone—young and old alike.

Teens, mentors, and community partners interested in applying or learning more are encouraged to visit https://thespaceidaho.org/en/teen-grants/ or contact The Space at 208-450-3750.  Applications for this round of grants are due May 28. Recipients will be announced June 3, and events should take place by September 1.  Another grant cycle will be available in the fall.

Funding is provided by Blaine County, the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation and St. Luke’s Center for Community Health. The Space offered administrative support, and several partner organizations, including The Advocates, The Hunger Coalition, The Sage School, Blaine County School District and The Space, contributed staff time. Special recognition goes to high school student Lemon Rogers, winner of the flyer contest, for designing the eye-catching marketing materials.