(Bannock County Press Release, December 12, 2025)
Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, Bannock County opened the doors to a new building with a special purpose.
Described as a model of compassion, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child, this facility will be home to the Youth Development Center (YDC), a program unlike any other in the state of Idaho.
The 7,000-square-foot building was officially unveiled during a community ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The building is strategically located in the center of the Bannock County Events Complex, the largest public park in Bannock County, to provide easy access to outdoor activities and community service projects.
Funded with $2.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars allocated by the Board of County Commissioners, the building replaces the program’s former location in an old jail space above the Elections Office. The new facility provides an environment designed to support both staff and students while allowing the program to continue expanding.
A Fresh Start in a Purpose-Built Space
Commissioner Ernie Moser spoke at the ribbon cutting about seeing the staff and students working out of an old jailhouse.
“For these kids and our staff to be where they were at, it broke my heart. A jail is not the place where we should be teaching these kids. That’s why I’m so excited to invest in this program, because these kids deserve a place that inspires them to become more,” Moser said.
The new building was designed with safety, function, and dignity in mind. It includes a classroom, a serving kitchen, a laundry room for life-skills training, a conference room, and dedicated offices for staff and case managers. The improved layout allows staff to deliver programming more efficiently while giving students an environment conducive to learning and stability.
Four full-time probation officers are also based in the new facility, focusing on specialized caseloads involving high-risk youth and families. Housing probation staff under the same roof as the YDC helps staff quickly address concerns, track progress, and ensure young people receive consistent guidance.
“We’re investing not only in the future of these kids and families, but our community as a whole,” Moser said.
A Collaborative Program Serving Youth in High-Risk Situations
The YDC’s goal is to ensure every student, regardless of the challenges they’re facing, can continue their education and see a bright path forward. Operated by Bannock County Juvenile Justice in partnership with Pocatello-Chubbuck School District 25, the program serves students facing chronic absenteeism, academic failure, and behavioral issues that put them at risk of expulsion.
A certified teacher from the school district provides individualized instruction and closely monitors academic progress. On average, 44 students participate each year, collectively earning more than 260 high school credits.
Tonya Wilkes, the Director of Student Support Services for SD25, describes the program as giving kids’ their futures back, gaining them skills, confidence, and hope they need to take the next steps in life.
“Graduating even one student who once felt hopeless creates a ripple effect, strengthening families, lowering dropout rates, and building a healthier, more resilient community,” said Wilkes.
Since partnering with School District 25 in 2015, 86 students have earned their high school diplomas through the YDC—an accomplishment that gives these young people a solid footing as they move into adulthood.
A Practical Model for Skill-Building
The Youth Development Center focuses on four core areas that help students build stable habits and prepare for long-term success:
- Behavioral Health: Students receive guidance in areas such as substance abuse education, conflict management, social etiquette, and building self-confidence. This instruction helps them navigate expectations at school and at home and supports healthier decision-making.
- Accountability: Youth are expected to follow consistent routines, manage their time, meet responsibilities, and follow through on commitments. This structure helps students develop habits that support long-term success.
- Hard Skills: Development Computer literacy, money management, resume writing, public speaking, and home economics are all part of the curriculum. These practical skills prepare students for real-world expectations and improve their readiness for future employment and independent living.
- Community Connection: Service-learning projects and exposure to local employers help students understand their role in the community. These experiences reinforce the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and civic engagement.
Looking Ahead
The new Youth Development Center is a long-term investment in Bannock County’s youth and the systems that support them. The building provides space for stronger programs, closer coordination between agencies, and a setting designed to meet the needs of students who benefit from structure and encouragement.
As the center begins its daily work, it reflects a simple message: Bannock County is committed to giving its youth the tools they need to succeed.
“Our partnership sends a powerful message: no obstacle is too great when a community stands behind its students. Together, we believe students deserve stability, support, and a safe place to keep learning,” Wilkes said.
