Google.org has launched a $10 million U.S. initiative aimed at improving mental health resources for high school students across the United States.
The Teen Mental Health Initiative will provide support to one million students and 10,000 teachers through partnerships with prominent youth mental health and education nonprofits, including Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund, DonorsChoose, The JED Foundation, the Child Mind Institute, and The Steve Fund.
The announcement was made during an event at Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles, where teachers and students participated in activities promoting mental well-being. Selena Gomez, a mental health advocate and founder of the Rare Impact Fund, made a surprise appearance, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health resources into the classroom.
“I know that being a teenager can feel complicated and lonely. When it comes to mental health—knowledge is power,” Gomez said. “We have to give teens resources so that they can build strong, positive, and productive mental health habits. That’s why at The Rare Impact Fund, we want to expand access to mental health services by meeting young people where they are: the classroom.”
The initiative also received praise from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who highlighted the challenges young people face today, including the impact of the pandemic and social media. “Our young people have faced unprecedented challenges, from the pandemic to navigating a new world of social media, all of which take a toll on their mental health,” Newsom said. “My administration will continue working to ensure that every child has the support they need to thrive.”
In addition to the direct funding, Google.org has committed over $1.5 million to support mental health projects posted by high school teachers on the DonorsChoose platform, benefiting more than 2,000 classrooms. The initiative will also provide up to $500 for eligible new projects posted by teachers after the announcement.
To further support educators, Google.org is funding the development of nine mental health training courses created by the Child Mind Institute, The JED Foundation, and The Steve Fund. These courses, designed to help teachers better support their students’ mental health, will be available through DonorsChoose. Teachers who complete a course will receive a $200 DonorsChoose credit.
Dr. Aileen Gendrano Adao, a teacher and wellness leader at Eagle Rock High School, emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for students to address their mental health. “It’s so important that teenagers have a safe space to build strong mental health habits,” Adao said. “I’ve turned to DonorsChoose to fundraise for a variety of projects that help my students feel affirmed, seen, and valued for who they are.”
Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose, also stressed the connection between mental well-being and academic achievement. “Our recent research shows more than 70% of public school teachers are concerned about their students’ mental health,” Guerrier said. “Google’s Teen Mental Health Initiative will give frontline educators critical tools and resources to support the wellbeing of students across the country.”
This initiative is part of Google’s broader commitment to youth digital well-being and mental health, which has seen its investment increase from $20 million to $25 million this year.
As Google.org America’s Director Justin Steele noted, the rising number of searches for “teen mental health” reflects the growing need for support. “As teens navigate the complexities of today’s world, it’s crucial that they have the tools and support to develop healthy, positive, and productive mental health habits,” Steele said.