Free Mental Health Programs for K-12 Schools & Youth Orgs
Our programs will help your students build understanding of mental health, take action, and support each other.
Because Every Student Deserves Support
Mental health support shouldn’t depend on your zip code or budget.
72%
of organizations couldn't access Active Minds' mental health resources due to limited funding
5× higher
odds that families earning under $35K feel sad most of the time vs. higher-income families
BIPOC Youth
are far more likely than white youth to report emotional distress
With Google.org’s support, cost is no longer a barrier.
Your community’s need is what matters here, and we’re ready to meet it. Thanks to a $5 million commitment from Google.org, we’re bringing free mental health programming to elementary, middle, and high schools across the country.
The Program Fund makes programming accessible so that EVERYONE can talk about mental health.
Every K-12 school, college, or youth-serving organization in the U.S. can apply for the Active Minds Program Fund, regardless of budget or location. But we know racial disparities and limited funding have historically kept mental health resources furthest from communities of color and rural schools, and that’s exactly the gap this fund is built to close.
Choose a Mental Health Program for Your School
Every school is different, and so is every path to a healthier campus culture. Here are three proven programs we can bring to your school, each one built to meet students where they are.
Send Silence Packing®
This immersive exhibit is designed to bring awareness to mental health, spark conversations, and inspire action through the experiential elements of the display. Rooted in a dynamic story-sharing format, displayed through mixed mediums, Send Silence Packing® is an immersive experience that illustrates the stories and centers the voices of youth as they guide us through their mental health journeys, covering themes of silence, loss, survival, and resilience.
Active Minds Speakers
Research shows that peer-to-peer outreach is the best way to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health and encourages young adults to seek help if they need it. That’s why Active Minds Speakers are so effective. Through their personal stories, students and young adults can see there is hope and help available, since mental health struggles are so common. You can host one of our acclaimed speakers on your campus to inspire your community.
Live A.S.K. Workshops
Learn how to provide peer-to-peer emotional support during this interactive in-person or virtual workshop showcasing A.S.K. — Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch! During the workshop, our speakers will facilitate an interactive discussion of the A.S.K. Digital Experience. Participants will leave knowing how to have supportive conversations with their peers!
Apply for the Program Fund
Apply Today
If you’ve got your program, your date, your team, and your ask figured out, let’s get your application started.
Not ready yet?
Still building your case internally, or want more information before you commit? Tell us a little about your school and what you’re considering, and we’ll keep you in the loop as you get ready.
Eligibility & Cost
Any K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and youth-serving organizations in the U.S. can all apply. The Active Minds Program Fund exists to remove financial barriers to programming, full stop. Cost should never be the reason a school goes without expert-led mental health support, regardless of your school’s size, location, or existing resources.
The Program Fund, backed by Google.org, can cover the full cost of bringing any of these programs to your school. Here’s a ballpark for the core program fee, so you know what to plan for:
- Active Minds Speakers: starting around $2,500 for a virtual event, $4,550 in person
- Live A.S.K. Workshops: similar range to Speakers, since they’re led by the same facilitators
- Send Silence Packing: around $7,500 to host the exhibit
How to Prepare Your Application
A little prep now makes your application faster and stronger. See how many of these you already have:
- Which program(s) fits your school. The Active Minds Program Fund can fund Active Minds Speakers, Send Silence Packing®, and Live A.S.K. Workshops. Not sure what fits? Get in touch.
- A target date or event window for bringing the program to your school. We recommend applying for funding at least 3 months before your event.
- An event team, even a small one. A counselor, teacher, or administrator to help plan and speak to your school’s needs.
- A rough funding number, whether you’re asking for full or partial support.
What Happens After You Apply: Timeline & Next Steps
Every applicant gets a confirmation right away, followed by an update on their application status.
Have all four? You’re ready to apply.
Still working through them? Let us know you’re interested and we’ll help you get there.
Success Story: Bringing Free Mental Health Support to an Ohio School
District-wide budget cuts had Emily, a high school counselor in Ohio, looking for new resources and tools to present to the young adults she was supporting. Emily had even considered paying out of her own pocket for programming until she learned about the Active Minds Program Fund and was able to bring an Active Minds Speaker to her community.
Following the presentation by one of our incredible speakers, she noted an increase in the number of services being requested, conversations happening with trusted adults, and calls from parents thanking her for educating and encouraging their children to seek help when needed.
Since the initial presentation, Active Minds has become a permanent fixture in Emily’s school’s mental health programming thanks to the Program Fund.
Parents & Caregivers
Want to bring free mental health programming to your child’s school?
Use our guide to start the conversation with school leaders, your PTA or PTO, and other families.
FAQs
Yes. The Active Minds Program Fund welcomes K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and youth-serving organizations, regardless of size, location, or budget.
Yes. Active Minds Speakers and Live A.S.K. Workshops can both be delivered virtually, so distance or a smaller campus doesn’t stand in the way.
Yes, schools can apply for more than one program, in the same year or across future years.
You’ll get a confirmation right away, followed by an update on your application status.
Active Minds facilitates the program itself. Your event team helps coordinate logistics on the school side.
Let us know you’re interested. We’ll send you information and reminders so you’re ready when the time comes.
Still have questions? Reach out to our team at joy@activeminds.org.