LIFTER
Improving Wellbeing in Education, One School at a Time
Improving Wellbeing in Education, One School at a Time
The LIFTER Program was born out of the urgent need to address the growing mental health crisis among students. The program was created by Anya Parasher, a student from Albuquerque, NM, who, after losing two classmates to suicide, saw that many schools lacked the tools and resources necessary to support student wellbeing. LIFTER was created to fill this gap by providing accessible, student-driven solutions for mental health and self-care.
At the heart of the program is the LIFTER App, a mindfulness and journaling tool designed to help students reflect on their day, track their emotions, and develop healthy habits. Built with features like gratitude prompts, mood trackers, and self-care tools, the app empowers students to take control of their mental health.
Beyond the app, the Student Wellbeing ECHO Program brings these tools into schools. Student leaders work to implement initiatives such as journaling sessions, yoga classes, self-care kits, and peer helper programs. These efforts not only provide practical resources but also foster a culture of support and resilience in school communities. The program has already impacted over 4,500 students, transforming how schools approach mental health.
By equipping students with the tools and support to lead these efforts, LIFTER aims to create lasting change in schools nationwide. From spreading positivity through sidewalk affirmations to creating peer support networks, the program is helping students build stronger, healthier communities—one school at a time.