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 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.

Walker’s father, Erik Nelson, is passionate about the work and potential of the Youth Resilience Fund, “Our family is committed to addressing the current crisis head-on by equipping our young people with the resilience they need to overcome life's challenges. We are grateful to all who will join us in this effort.  Together, we can provide hope and create a safer, stronger community for our youth.”

“We are grateful to the Nelson Family and admire their strength and compassion for others in the face of personal loss.  The goals of Youth Resilience Fund directly align with those of the Bozeman School District in this increasingly important area of student need,” noted BSD7 Superintendent Casey Bertram.  “Our most recent Long Range Strategic Plan calls for establishing measurable goals concerning student well-being. To this end, we have convened faculty, staff, students, and community mental health experts to assess Bozeman-specific data and identify the conditions that positively or negatively contribute to our youth's well-being and mental health.” 

The Student Wellbeing Working Group will recommend policy changes and/or potential school programming to promote student well-being and reduce instances of self-harm across our community to BSD7's Board of Trustees in December. Jenn Lammers, the Bozeman Schools Foundation executive director, represents the Bozeman Schools Foundation and the Youth Resilience Fund in the District’s working group.

“Supporting student wellbeing and addressing Bozeman’s youth mental health crisis requires the attention of the entire community,” observed Mrs. Lammers.  “With the establishment of the Youth Resilience Fund, the Nelson family has provided a catalyst and a means for individuals, families, and organizations across our community to support specific future efforts by BSD7 and its partners that will positively impact the lives of children throughout Bozeman.”

To make a donation to the Youth Resilience Fund at the Bozeman Schools Foundation online, visit bozemanschoolsfoundation.org/campaigns/youth-resilience-fund/, click here, or scan the QR code provided.

Donations may also be sent to The Youth Resilience Fund, Bozeman Schools Foundation, PO Box 1803, Bozeman, MT 59715