Google and Selena Gomez Support Teen Mental Health in Schools

In a significant move to address mental health challenges in schools, Google.org has announced a $6 million funding initiative aimed at supporting high school wellbeing projects through DonorsChoose, a crowdfunding platform for public school teachers. This funding comes in response to the alarming rise in childhood depression and anxiety exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led many school districts to seek psychological support from educators. Justin Steele, Director for Google.org in the Americas, emphasized the importance of this initiative in fostering a constructive dialogue around mental health and contributing to effective solutions. He noted that while the focus on mental health has increased, the overall philanthropic funding in this area has not kept pace. The funding will allow teachers to access resources that can help them guide students in developing healthy mental health habits. Teachers participating in the program can earn $200 in DonorsChoose credits upon completing relevant courses. Gomez, a high school educator, highlighted the critical role teachers play in supporting students' mental health, although she cautioned that financial contributions still fall short of the growing awareness surrounding these issues. DonorsChoose CEO Alix Guerrier reiterated that while teachers are vital in fostering a supportive environment, they should not be seen as substitutes for mental health professionals. He expressed hope that this funding will empower educators to prioritize mental health in their classrooms, fostering a healthier school environment for students.