Accessing Tele-mentoring for Rural Students in Idaho
GrantID: 11476
Grant Funding Amount Low: $3,000,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $3,000,000
Summary
Grant Overview
{"Heading":"Overcoming Barriers for Rural Youth in Idaho","Content":"Idaho faces significant barriers in providing equitable access to career exploration opportunities for rural students, particularly those living in remote areas with limited resources. According to the Idaho State Department of Education, rural students are 30% less likely than their urban counterparts to have access to mentorship or internship programs, which are crucial for professional development. This disparity poses critical challenges to educational outcomes and career readiness, leaving many young people without meaningful guidance as they transition from school to the workforce.\n\nThe primary groups affected by these barriers include students in Idaho's vast rural regions, particularly those in counties with fewer educational and economic resources. For example, in Clearwater and Boundary counties, the lack of local industry and mentorship opportunities constrains students' aspirations and knowledge of potential career paths. As a result, students often feel isolated and uncertain about their future, which can have long-term effects on their educational engagement and professional ambitions.\n\nTo address these challenges, funding is being directed toward the development and implementation of a tele-mentoring program specifically for rural students in Idaho. This initiative aims to connect these young individuals with mentors across various fields using digital platforms, thereby overcoming geographical barriers that traditionally limit access to mentorship. The program will provide structured guidance, enabling students to explore diverse careers, ask questions, and receive insights from professionals in real-time, which can significantly enhance their educational aspirations and encourage them to pursue post-secondary opportunities.\n\nThis funding not only supports the logistics of establishing a tele-mentoring network but also emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships between mentors and mentees. Mentors can play a pivotal role in instilling confidence in students, showcasing real-world applications of their education, and providing a sense of direction in an otherwise challenging landscape. The goal is for students to not only gain career insights but also to develop soft skills and networking abilities that will serve them throughout their academic and professional lives.\n\nIn summary, the grant funding aimed at establishing a tele-mentoring program for Idaho’s rural students seeks to dismantle existing barriers to mentorship and career exploration, making a tangible impact on the educational landscape. By focusing resources strategically, Idaho can better equip its young population with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world."}
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
