We are beyond excited to announce a historic milestone in Active Minds’ journey: we’ve surpassed our goal of reaching 1,000 K-12 schools in 1,000 days, and we did it months ahead of schedule! Each of these K-12 schools joined our mental health movement by bringing Active Minds to their school, demonstrating a prioritization of mental health in their communities. This achievement marks a monumental step forward in our mission to transform mental health norms in schools and communities across the nation.
As the leading nonprofit that mobilizes youth and young adults to drive meaningful change in mental health, Active Minds tirelessly works to reach students, educators, and administrators where it matters most. From launching chapters and clubs to distributing valuable curriculum and resources, each effort creates a ripple effect, strengthening mental health support within schools and beyond.
A New Era of Mental Health Advocacy
This accomplishment is about so much more than simply hitting a numerical target; it’s about equipping the next generation to become advocates for mental health in their schools and communities. And with mental health struggles on the rise among youth, our work is more urgent than ever. Nearly 40% of students report experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and youth from marginalized communities face even higher risks.
But we are committed to doing something about it. With every school, every Active Minds Chapter, and every resource we bring to the table, we are building a future where mental health is prioritized and every student feels supported, safe, and able to thrive. What we’ve achieved thus far is only the beginning.
“Exceeding reaching over 1,000 schools in 1,000 days is a significant milestone, and it’s just the beginning.”
— Alison Malmon, Founder & Executive Director, Active Minds
The realization of this milestone would not be possible without the efforts by the educators, administrators, and community leaders who’ve partnered with us and our incredible supporters like the United Health Foundation, Humble Bundle, and Flourish Arbonne Foundation. Their unwavering commitment has made reaching this goal possible.
More Than a Number: The Significance of 1K in 1K
Lauren Cikara, who has been at the helm of our efforts to reach 1,000 K-12 schools, shares her thoughts on this milestone:
“Watching our vision come to life over the past few years has been incredibly rewarding. We knew that connecting with K-12 schools and offering accessible, impactful mental health resources would be key to creating lasting change. To see this goal achieved so quickly speaks to the deep need and desire for mental health education and advocacy in schools. But, even more, it shows how dedicated and passionate the students, educators and administrators are who have supported our work. This milestone is theirs as much as it is ours, and I’m excited to continue the journey with them to create even more opportunities for students to engage with mental health resources and become advocates in their own right.”
Active Minds is marking this milestone by sharing the voices of change-makers, including students, staff, and more. Hear firsthand as they share their experiences and what realizing the goal of 1,000 schools in under 1,000 days — and doing it ahead of schedule — means to them.
Looking Ahead: Continuing Active Minds’ Impact
We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all of you — our community of educators, students, and mental health champions. But as Alison said, this is just the beginning. Together, we’ll continue to expand our reach and support even more youth in advocating for mental health.
We invite all students, educators, administrators, and community leaders to join us in this movement. Together, we can create a future where mental health is prioritized and every student has the resources, support, and courage to thrive.
Join the Movement:
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit Active Minds.
