New teen-led events program, supported by St. Luke's Wood River, aims to strengthen youth connection and belonging

A new grant opportunity has been launched to empower Wood River Valley 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. St. Luke's helped provide funding.

The 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% of students reported having a trusted adult outside their family, and just 15% 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.

Apply or Get Involved: visit this site 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.

This grant was made possible thanks to the generous support and collaboration of many. Funding was provided by Blaine County, the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, and St. Luke’s Center for Community Health. The Space offered invaluable administrative support, and several partner organizations — including The Advocates, The Hunger Coalition, The Sage School, Blaine County School District, and The Space—generously contributed staff time and energy to bring this program to life. Special recognition goes to high school student Lemon Rogers, winner of the flyer contest, for designing the eye-catching marketing materials.

About the Blaine County Mental Well-Being Initiative: Blaine County’s Mental Well-Being Initiative (MWBI), spearheaded by St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, seeks to grow an integrated mental health and well-being ecosystem that improves the lives of all people in our community. Through collaboration with nearly 50 community partners, the Initiative provides shared strategy, measurement, convening opportunities and resources to address mental well-being needs in Blaine County.