Despite the availability of numerous mental wellness apps, support groups, and professional services, 77% of college students still report struggling with their mental health. Even more concerning, fewer than half engage with the available resources, and some tools have engagement rates as low as 0.5%.
Participants will be tasked with developing a solution that improves student mental health on college campuses while retaining engagement. This solution can be based on the scalability of any resource—an app, a product, a service, a social initiative, or even a shared creative expression. The goal is not only to provide support but also to track engagement and outcomes to demonstrate effectiveness.
The transition to college marks a period of significant personal and academic growth, yet for many students, it also brings unprecedented mental health challenges. The pressures of demanding coursework, new social environments, and financial burdens can create a perfect storm for the onset or exacerbation of mental health conditions.
Understanding the pervasive nature of these issues and the alarming rates at which students are struggling in silence is essential for developing comprehensive and accessible support systems that foster well-being and academic success.
