The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (JKCF) in Lansdowne, Virginia, has announced grants totaling $1.745 million in support of three nonprofit organizations working to help high school and postsecondary students experiencing mental health difficulties.

The JKCF grants will contribute toward evaluating current services, engaging professional speakers to assist in the implementation of mental health training, destigmatizing the conversation around mental health, and increasing student participation in programs. Recipients include Active Minds ($600,000), the Steve Fund ($600,000), and the Jed Foundation (JED) ($545,000).

According to a 2022 report from the American Psychological Association, more than 60 percent of college and university students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem during the 2020-21 academic year—a 10 percent increase from the year before to the pandemic (2019). 

“In our decades of working with students, we’ve long observed the important connection between students’ mental health and their academic success. We know that on-campus support can make all the difference,” said JKCF executive director Seppy Basili. “This new funding supports our commitment in ensuring that campuses across the country have the resources needed to support students’ well-being so they can take full advantage of a postsecondary education. We’re very proud to help accelerate the impact of these three great organizations.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/people images)