The LIFTER Program

The LIFTER Program is a student-led, student-driven initiative tackling mental health and well-being in schools. Created in partnership with Project ECHO, the program equips students with the tools to lead Student Wellness Advisories at their schools, giving them the ability to improve mental health resources, create supportive outlets, and foster healthier school cultures nationwide.

Each school selects two student leaders to participate in an 8-week program, meeting once a week for an hour. These sessions focus on practical strategies for emotional wellbeing and give students the opportunity to design activities and events tailored to their school’s needs. By the end of the program, student leaders are prepared to implement initiatives that directly address mental health challenges in their communities.

What We Offer:

1. Student Wellbeing Program: Two students from each participating school are selected to participate in an 8-week program centered on the CASEL Core Competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness. Students lead discussions and create action plans to improve school climate and mental health resources.
2. Wellness Initiatives: Students create school-specific practical programs, which include journaling sessions, random acts of kindness projects, yoga classes, peer helper systems, and more. These initiatives foster a sense of community and equip students with tools to manage stress and build resilience.
3. LIFTER App: A mindfulness and journaling app designed to help students track their mental health and practice gratitude and self-care.

And what’s the result?

Students go back to their schools and lead Student Wellness Advisories, which assess their school and provide monthly events and activities that provide resources related to the core competencies that improve the culture around mental health in schools.

At my own high school, students hosted a World Mental Health Day, Self-Care Kits event, Yoga Session, Chalk Affirmations, Vision Board Activity, and Letters of advice to younger students.

Here’s what other students had to say about the program:

“Typically at my school, any attempts to improve wellbeing failed because of two things: the first being that the students weren’t the ones behind it and the second being that we didn’t give any resources to students. This program changes that.”

“I have lost multiple classmates due to suicide. Especially after COVID, there is a huge need to address Student Wellbeing in all capacities. Now is the time for schools to address this.”

“I was skeptical at first. I didn’t think students would want to participate. But after I launched it at my school, I had so many students join. It’s the first time that I’ve seen my community of students come together to address an issue like this.”

Join Us

Over 4,500 students have already been impacted, and now, we’re expanding to schools across New Mexico, Texas, and California. Join us and bring this transformative program to your school!