Student Life
Online Education Community Resources
Below are community resources that may be available throughout Idaho.* Unfortunately, not all of the same programs exist equally throughout the state. If you need additional referrals, please contact Idaho Virtual Academy’s (IDVA’s) counseling administrator, Jessica Lecertua, at: jlecertua@idahova.org.
2-1-1 Idaho CareLine
The 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine is a state information and referral program that offers information about low-cost, sliding scale, or free health and human services (such as rental assistance, utility assistance, and counseling).
Phone: Dial 211 or 800.926.2588
Text: 989211 (Standard text messaging costs may apply.)
Youth Empowerment Services
Does your child need mental health supports? Youth Empowerment Services (YES) provides a system of care for children and youth.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare provides various income-based services, such as food assistance (food stamps), temporary cash assistance, health insurance, and more.
Computers for Kids, Inc.
This nonprofit organization recycles, refurbishes, and distributes computers to K–12 and early college students. To apply, students complete an application, pay a small fee, and write an essay about why they need a computer.
Visit their website to learn more and fill out an application.
Your Health Idaho
Your Health Idaho is the state healthcare exchange. Individuals may qualify for a tax subsidy, which can be applied to health insurance. In-person and online assistance is available to help people complete the application process. Open enrolment is from November 1 through January 31.
To apply for a health insurance subsidy, visit their website or call 855.944.3246.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program brought to you by Virgin Mobile. Lifeline is a government benefit program supported by the federal Universal Service Fund. Eligible customers receive a free cell phone plus free minutes and unlimited free text messages.
To see if you qualify and to apply, visit their website or call 888.321.5880.
Different Types of Internet Connections, Speeds and Affordability Options
In today’s world, internet access is vital in many areas of life, including education, work and entertainment. Having internet service is one of the necessary components of supporting evolving technology, as well as essential day-to-day activities, like remote work and online classes. But even if you have access, poor reliability or speed can create challenges.
Verizon’s article, Different types of internet connections, speeds and affordability options covers:
- Types of internet connectivity
- Factors that affect internet quality
- Free internet options
- How to find low-cost internet connectivity
- Assistance options for families and households, students, senior citizens and rural communities
*The services listed above are not IDVA programs. This information is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only, and IDVA does not guarantee the accuracy of the information. By providing this information, IDVA is not endorsing any program listed nor does IDVA warrant the accuracy of the information presented.
Any questions, concerns, grievances appeals, etc., concerning or involving a listed program must be taken up with the program itself and not IDVA, who is not a party of any of these programs. As with many community resources, funding is often limited; therefore, a listed program may not always be current. Call or visit the resource’s website to find the most current information.