
Youth Resilience
The Bozeman Schools Foundation is honored to have been selected to host the Walker J. Nelson Youth Resilience Fund (the Youth Resilience Fund) in memory of Walker Nelson, a 2022 graduate of Bozeman High School whose life was tragically lost to suicide. Established with memorial funds donated at the time of Walker's passing, the Youth Resilience Fund exists to empower and support the youth of Bozeman, Montana, by building resilience and mental well-being across all levels of our community. It is guided by the belief that our community must come together to support local youth with mental health challenges and promote student well-being before tragedy strikes.
Recognizing that Bozeman faces one of the highest rates of youth suicide in the nation, the Fund’s mission is to foster a culture of empathy, shared understanding, and peer support among young people. By equipping students with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, we aim to strengthen the safety net for those most vulnerable, ensuring that no one faces a mental health crisis alone. Working through the Bozeman School Foundation and in partnership with the Bozeman School District, the Youth Resilience Fund will strategically gather and allocate resources to initiatives that directly contribute to suicide prevention and mental health resilience. We are committed to measurable outcomes that enhance wellbeing, cultivate strong social connections, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Together, we can create a community where every young person feels supported, valued, and heard.

Walker Nelson
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