Press Release

June 27, 2025 — Alexander will deliver a keynote address focused on the role of vulnerability and creativity in healing and advocacy.

June 27, 2025 — Skye uses her powerful voice to champion mental health awareness, encouraging young people to make their well-being a priority.

June 23, 2025 — Every young person deserves access to mental health care that is safe, responsive, and tailored to their lived experience.

May 28, 2025 — WASHINGTON, D.C. — Active Minds, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health, is proud to announce a bold new commitment: to engage 100,000 youth and young adults mental health advocates by 2028. This ambitious initiative marks the organization’s next chapter in championing a new era of mental health. The announcement follows the success of Active Minds’ recent “1K in 1K” campaign, which surpassed its goal of reaching 1,000 K-12 in 1,000 days well ahead of schedule. Now, fueled by the momentum of Mental Health Awareness Month and a growing national conversation around mental wellness, Active Minds is setting its sights even higher. “Our mission has always been to equip, connect, and amplify the voices of youth and young adults to change how society thinks about and supports mental health,” said Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds. “Reaching 100,000 young people by 2028 isn’t just a number—it’s a movement to ensure every young person knows they’re not alone and has the tools and community support they need to thrive.” The 100K by 2028 initiative will include young changemakers in K-12, high schools, colleges, and communities across the country. These advocates will participate in programs such as the Mental Health Advocacy Institute, the Mental Health Advocacy Academy, and the Active Minds Chapter Network. The initiative will also focus on advocacy efforts, peer-to-peer support, and social media engagement to amplify advocacy and impact. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, Active Minds has called on its network through informational campaigns, action-oriented opportunities, and community-building efforts designed to prepare supporters to take part in this new mission. This next phase invites everyone—from long-time champions to newcomers—to get involved at a level that works for them. “This is a community-wide effort,” said Laura Horne, Chief Program Officer at Active Minds. “We’re building something powerful together and championing a new era of mental health. By reaching 100,000 youth and young adults, we’re creating a ripple effect of support, advocacy, and change that will impact generations to come.” To learn more about the 100K by 2028 initiative, get involved, or bring others into the movement, visit www.activeminds.org.

May 7, 2025 — Revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge Sparks Over $400,000 in Donations for Youth Mental Health—and Renews Momentum for Both Causes.

April 17, 2025 — The new viral sensation Takes Over Instagram Quickly Raising Thousands to Benefit the Work of Active Minds WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2025) — More than a decade after the original Ice Bucket Challenge captured global attention in 2014 in support of the fight against Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) , the viral spirit is back in support of another crucial cause. The University of South Carolina’s MIND club (Mental Illness Needs Discussion) has launched a bold, reimagined Ice Bucket Challenge focused on mental health, and attention it has received is already immense. As part of their campaign, participants are encouraged to donate to Active Minds, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms. Kicking off with a splashy, heartfelt video, the University of South Carolina’s #SpeakYourMIND Challenge has captivated audiences across social media. The campaign exploded—and within days it has garnered hundreds of thousands of views, inspiring over 2,300+ donations and raising more than $40,000 to support mental health resources for youth and young adults. The response has been swift, wide-reaching, and deeply moving, proving the power of young people to mobilize and make change. “It started as a random idea, inspired by the original ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and how powerful that movement was,” said Wade Jefferson, Sophomore at USC and Founder of the MIND club. “We wanted to bring that same energy to mental health. Watching it take off – seeing people we admire, like Peyton Manning, join in – has been surreal. We’re proud, grateful, and just excited to see how far it’s gone and continue to go.” “This campaign is everything Active Minds stands for—bold, mission-driven, and youth-led,” said Alison Malmon, Founder & Executive Director of Active Minds. “To see youth and young adults take an iconic viral moment and breathe new life into it for mental health advocacy is incredibly powerful. It’s proof that when young people rally together with passion and purpose, they don’t just raise awareness—they ignite a movement. This is how we create a new era of mental health.” Now, Active Minds is encouraging youth and young adults across the country to keep the momentum going. The challenge is simple—and meaningful: Grab a bucket, some ice, and a friend Record your challenge and tag three others to take it next Post on social media and tag @uscmind and @active_minds to be featured Include the donation link to support the work of Active Minds Just as the original Ice Bucket Challenge did for ALS, this version is turning awareness into action. Beyond the buckets and the contagious videos, it’s about breaking stigma, building community, and making mental health a visible, valued part of everyday conversation. Participants are encouraged to share educational resources—including self-care tools, ways to offer help, and information to access crisis support—available at activeminds.org. Together, we’re not just starting a challenge—we’re creating a new era of mental health.

April 2, 2025 — Washington, D.C. –  Active Minds, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms, has surpassed its unprecedented goal of reaching 1,000 K-12 schools in 1,000 days and done so with months to go before the 1,000-day mark. Since the launch of the 1K in 1K campaign, 1,194 new K-12 schools have joined Active Minds. All of these schools have engaged with Active Minds in one or more of the following ways: starting an Active Minds Chapter, bringing an Active Minds Speaker to their school, having at least one student attend the Mental Health Advocacy Academy, participating in an Active Minds workshop, or taking part in our middle school pilot program.  The relationships that the organization has achieved during this period of time yielded programs, the launch of clubs and chapters, the use of curriculum and resources, and other collaborations with schools nationwide. Since 2003, Active Minds has been at the forefront of mobilizing youth and young adults to lead a transformative movement in mental health and this achievement demonstrates the expansive reach and influence the organization has built to forever change how mental health is valued and prioritized in society. “Exceeding reaching over 1,000 K-12 schools in 1,000 days is a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning,” said Alison Malmon, Founder & Executive Director of Active Minds. “This achievement underscores the growing need for mental health education and support in our schools. With the alarming rise in youth and young adults' mental health struggles, we’re committed to expanding our programs and equipping students to become advocates within their schools and communities. Together we can create a future where mental health is a priority and every student feels safe, supported, and equipped to reach their full potential.” According to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data, mental health challenges among youth remain a pressing issue. Nearly 40% of students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Groups particularly affected include female students, LGBTQ+ youth, and those from marginalized racial and ethnic communities, who face higher rates of violence, bullying, and suicidal thoughts. It is essential to address these alarming trends, and Active Minds plays a vital role in equipping the next generation to tackle mental health issues in their schools and communities. “The United Health Foundation is honored to partner with Active Minds in their mission to transform mental health norms in schools,” said Anne Yau, president of the United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of UnitedHealth Group. “Reaching over 1,000 K-12 schools in 1,000 days is an important milestone for improving access to mental health resources, and we applaud Active Minds for this accomplishment.” Thanks to supporters such as the United Health Foundation, Humble Bundle, J Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation as well as a number of partners, and educators, the organization will continue to build off of this work and will announce new plans to further grow its impact over the next couple of months. Active Minds invites educators, administrators, and community leaders to join its movement and collaborate to grow the network of youth and young adults who champion mental health and are prepared to bring others with them through the journey. Additionally, media can view a special video celebrating this remarkable milestone at https://youtu.be/PQENCsfJZ9o For more information about Active Minds and how to get involved, please visit activeminds.org.

February 18, 2025 — Youth Voice, Real Change: Building a Mental Health Movement for the Future WASHINGTON, D.C. — Active Minds, the leading nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health advocacy, unveiled its 2025 Policy Agenda today, focusing on two major legislative initiatives designed to transform mental health support for young people in the U.S. The announcement emphasizes the importance of youth leadership in mental health policy, with Active Minds calling on students, advocates, and supporters to join the movement and help make a real difference. “Youth and young adults have always been at the forefront of mental health advocacy, and 2025 is our year to make lasting change,” said Alison Malmon, Active Minds Founder & Executive Director. “The policy agenda we are launching today reflects the urgent need for increased access to mental health resources and the equipping of young people to lead the charge in shaping a healthier future. We're calling on every voice — from those who have personally experienced mental health struggles to those who simply care about a better future for all — to make a difference.” Active Minds' Bipartisan Legislative Asks for 2025: Increase Awareness of 9-8-8 and School Mental Health Resources Active Minds is advocating for legislation that ensures students have seamless access to life-saving mental health resources. This includes embedding the 9-8-8 crisis hotline directly onto student IDs and launching school-wide awareness campaigns to ensure that every student knows where to turn when they need help. Fund Federally Supported, Youth-Led Mental Health Programs Active Minds is calling for federal investment in youth-led mental health programs such as Active Minds chapters and A.S.K. (Active Minds’ peer-to-peer mental health education initiative). These programs, despite their proven success, currently do not receive federal funding, creating a critical gap in peer-driven mental health education on campuses nationwide. Why Your Story Matters The backbone of Active Minds' policy agenda is the power of personal stories. Mental health challenges affect millions, and sharing personal experiences can inspire powerful change. By speaking out, individuals can encourage others to act, raise awareness, and advocate for meaningful policy changes. “Stories are the cornerstone of advocacy,” said Laura Horne, Chief Programming Officer at Active Minds. “When we share our journeys, we humanize the issue of mental health. And when young people take the lead in that conversation, it sends a powerful message to policymakers that change is needed, and it’s needed now.” How You Can Get Involved Active Minds encourages youth advocates and organizations to join efforts in raising awareness, pushing for legislative action, and supporting policies that prioritize mental health for young people. Here are the ways you can get involved: Join the Advocacy Movement: Visit activeminds.org/policy to become part of the movement. Advocate for policies that support the mental health of young people and join a growing community of passionate advocates. Share Your Story: Whether you've personally faced mental health challenges or simply want to support this vital cause, sharing your story can make an impact. Submit a short video to share your personal journey and help support Active Minds' legislative goals. Amplify the Message: Use social media, email, and other platforms to engage your network, share campaign materials, and urge others to take action. Social media toolkits, including pre-written posts, graphics, and hashtags, are available for easy sharing. For more information on the 2025 Policy Agenda and how to get involved, visit activeminds.org/policy.

January 30, 2025 — Initiative aims to normalize mental health conversations and empower students SANTA CLARA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)— Chegg, Inc. (NYSE: CHGG) today announced its third annual Global Student Mental Health Week will take place February 24 to March 2. Partnering with leading global nonprofits, higher education institutions, influencers, and more, this year’s initiative centers on the theme of “In It Together,” emphasizing the power of support networks and shared experiences. Global Student Mental Health Week aims to empower college students to prioritize their mental health and spark meaningful conversations about how policymakers, higher education institutions, caregivers, and communities can better support student emotional wellness. Earlier this week, Chegg published the findings of its latest Global Student Survey, which explores the perspectives of 11,706 undergraduates in 15 countries on key issues affecting their lives. The survey revealed an elevated prevalence of mental health challenges among students, underscoring the urgent need to prioritize student well-being. The findings reinforce the importance of initiatives like Global Student Mental Health Week, which aims to address these challenges and provide meaningful support to students. Key worldwide mental health findings from Chegg’s 2025 Global Student Survey include: More than half (55%) of respondents reported not sleeping enough. 44% experienced daily feelings of anxiety. 43% reported suffering from academic burnout. More than one in three (35%) reported difficulty meeting new people and making friends. “The urgency to elevate global conversations about student mental health has never been greater,” said Nathan Schultz, President and CEO of Chegg, Inc. “At Chegg, we believe that supporting student mental health isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s essential for empowering students to thrive academically, personally, and beyond the classroom. We are proud to bring Global Student Mental Health Week back for a third year and grateful to our partners for helping us support and empower students. Through this year’s theme, ‘In It Together,’ we hope to highlight that strong support networks – whether through peers, family, campus services, or online resources – are essential to helping students look after their mental well-being.” The non-profits and organizations Chegg has partnered with for this year’s Global Student Mental Health Week include Active Minds, Ayrton Senna Institute, Big Change, Born This Way Foundation, The Jed Foundation (JED), MABASTA, Nivishe Foundation, Our Minds Matter, PAVE, San Jose Earthquakes, Student Minds, and Young Invincibles. Global Student Mental Health Week will also feature collaborations with Albany State University, Clemson University’s Social Media Listening Center, influencers, Chegg.org Global Student Prize finalists, and others to help amplify student voices, foster and inform meaningful debates, and educate policymakers, educational institutions, and communities about the mental health challenges that today’s youth may face. Scheduled events and highlighted resources include: Thursday, February 27 at Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina) Coffee shop takeover for an in-person coffee chill and chat, with pet therapy dogs and mental health professionals. 2:15-3:00pm in 301 Kinard Hall: In-person panel discussion on social media and mental health at featuring speakers including: Dr. Marshall Anthony Jr., Director of Public Affairs and Policy at Chegg Dr. Zainab Okolo, Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations at The Jed Foundation Clemson University student participants Additional College Activities In collaboration with JED, Chegg is scheduled to host two separate activations with US colleges during Global Student Mental Health Week. Taking place both online and in-person, these will feature experiences such as mental health storytelling, guided meditation and yoga sessions, art therapy, and journal sessions. Learn more by visiting the website. Chegg is also due to partner with Active Minds for a campus activation at Albany State University, aiming to create a safe, inclusive space for students to share experiences, learn about available mental health resources, and strengthen their sense of belonging on campus. Voices of Change: Finalists and winners of the Chegg.org Global Student Prize and the Global Teacher Prize will be asked to share their approaches to mental wellness, resources for support, key insights about student mental health in their respective home countries, and the impactful projects they are involved with that address these challenges. Centralized Online Resource Hub: Chegg will compile mental health resources from its partners into a single, accessible online hub. The platform will feature practical tips for improving mental wellness and serve as a guide to global support for students online. “We are delighted to partner with Chegg once again to emphasize the critical importance of fostering communities of care where students can find connection, understanding, and the mental health support they need during challenging times,” said Dr. Zainab Okolo, Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations at JED. “During Student Mental Health Week, we are excited to engage with students across the country, reinforcing the message that they are not alone while amplifying discussions on how to effectively support their mental wellness.” “Global Student Mental Health Week serves as a powerful reminder that we are all in this together. As we continue to see the challenges students face, it’s crucial that we foster communities where mental health is prioritized, conversations are normalized, and support networks are strengthened.” said Laura Horne, Chief Programming Officer at Active Minds. “By partnering with Chegg, we are amplifying the voices of students around the world and reinforcing the importance of collective care. Together, we can ensure that every student has the resources and support they need to thrive.” Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano, the winner of the 2024 Chegg.org Global Student Prize for developing an AI-powered virtual medical assistant, who is now studying Information Technology and Digital Business Engineering at Anáhuac University Veracruz, Xalapa campus, in Mexico, said, “Through robotics competitions, I have seen the impact of peer support, and how important it is to work through problems together. I am honored to be a part of Global Student Mental Health Week this year, alongside my fellow Chegg Changemakers. I am proud of their involvement, their willingness to share their stories, and the work they are doing to build meaningful resources and communities around the world. I encourage students everywhere to join us in raising awareness of this crucial issue and having their voices heard.”

January 21, 2025 — Event Highlights Advocacy, Youth Empowerment, and Education Washington, D.C. – On January 13, 2025, the Washington Wizards, in partnership with MedStar Health, successfully hosted Mental Health Awareness Night at Capital One Arena during the Wizards' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The event aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote positive social change by fostering open discussions, particularly among youth. Wizards guard Bub Carrington played an integral role in the event, hosting 40 eighth-grade students from Monument Academy. These students attended the game as part of a broader effort to engage young people in mental health advocacy. As part of the evening, each student received a special Mental Health Awareness Night t-shirt designed by Carrington and his mother, Karima, in collaboration with their nonprofit organization, Breaking Chains. After the game, Carrington led a meet-and-greet session with the students, where he shared his personal mental health journey and emphasized the importance of mental health advocacy. Active Minds, the largest nonprofit organization in the United States focused on transforming mental health norms for youth and young adults, was present on the 400-level concourse (section 405). The organization provided attendees with mental health resources, hosted a friendship bracelet-making station, and encouraged participation in their A.S.K. (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-In-Touch) campaign, which promotes peer-to-peer support and community engagement. Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds, commented, “This event marked a powerful step toward creating a culture where young people feel empowered to speak openly about mental health and support one another. Our partnership with the Wizards and MedStar Health is a testament to the growing movement of mental health advocacy.” Before the game, in-game arena host Britt Waters interviewed Dr. Matthew Biel, MD, MSc, a prominent child and adolescent psychiatry expert at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Biel, who serves as Vice Chair and Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, discussed the significance of mental health, particularly in relation to the well-being of youth in today’s society. Throughout the game, fans were shown a video featuring Wizards players sharing personal messages on what mental health means to them. These segments were part of a larger effort by the Wizards and MedStar Health to educate fans on the importance of mental health, offer resources, and encourage open dialogue. Additionally, proceeds from the event’s 50/50 raffle benefited Active Minds, supporting their ongoing work to advance mental health advocacy among young people. Fans who were unable to attend can still contribute by visiting the Monumental Foundation's website at MonumentalFoundation.org/5050. “The support from the Wizards and MedStar Health is crucial to making meaningful progress in mental health advocacy,” said Dr. Biel. “By continuing to open these conversations, we can create a society where youth feel supported and equipped to seek help when they need it.” Mental Health Awareness Night was a successful event that highlighted the importance of mental health advocacy, provided essential resources, and encouraged attendees to participate in meaningful dialogue about mental wellness. Through events like this, the Wizards, MedStar Health, and Active Minds continue to foster a culture of awareness, support, and empowerment in the fight to improve mental health for all.