Mental health has become one of the top issues on college campuses across the country, with students facing challenges ranging from academic pressures to career uncertainty to social and financial stressors. All these problems have intensified with the onset of COVID-19. right I study healthy minds (2023), nearly 40% of students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety, and 44% experienced depression. And, of considerable concern, 15 percent of students reported having seriously considered suicide in the past year.

This mental health crisis is not limited to individual students but affects the academic environment as a whole, creating a ripple effect of social withdrawal, low performance and high dropout rates. Despite growing resources, students still lack access to adequate mental health supports on campus. Many colleges and universities have limited counseling staff, and there is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues on college campuses and in society at large.

In response to these gaps, Dante Wade, Aaron Warrickand Gregory Wilson — created Rejua mental health platform. Graduates of Lincoln University of Pennsylvaniaa historically black college, they founded Reju based on both personal experience and a collective mission to provide students with the mental health resources they need. Reflecting on their experiences with mental health struggles and supporting family members through challenges, the founders sought to create an inclusive platform that fosters “mental, physical and emotional success.”

As Wade said, “Each of us has had our own personal journey with anxiety and depression, as well as people with diagnosed mental health issues such as Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder and other chronic disorders.” The founders designed Reju to address the complexities of mental health, making it affordable, accessible and affordable for young people navigating college life.

According to the founders, Reju’s commitment to mental health is rooted in a holistic approach that focuses on multiple dimensions of well-being, from psychological and physical health to emotional health. The platform design encourages users to connect with others through peer-to-peer interaction and wellness coaching. Wade describes this approach, noting that the app provides “a holistic approach to mental health through features that are intentionally implemented for ease of use and a low barrier to entry for wellness solutions.” Reju distinguishes itself by offering conventional mental health resources, personalized support sessions and wellness content beyond traditional clinical mental health topics.

Facing the challenges of scaling Reju in the competitive higher education landscape, the founders developed innovative outreach strategies to expand their impact. Limited in funding compared to larger competitors, they relied on direct contact and partnerships to spread the word. For example, during a student panel event at historically Black Howard University, Reju brought students together to share personal stories of resistance. The event also featured mental health therapists and a yoga instructor, demonstrating the multitude of ways students can approach mental health.

The founders of Reju believe that supporting the mental health of young people is not only a personal effort, but also a social one. “There is a national conversation around strengthening mental health in society, particularly when we think about our youth,” Wade noted. Reju’s mission is to equip students with the tools they need to establish solid mental foundations for life beyond college, preparing them to become healthier and more resilient members of society.

As we navigate the ongoing mental health crisis, one question is critical: How do we, as individuals and as a community, ensure that students receive the comprehensive mental health resources they need to thrive? Reju offers a promising model, but it is essential that each of us work to remove the barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health support.

Like Karen Gross, co-author of Repairing education: Finding hope, creativity and mental well-being in times of traumastates, “Data reveals that college students’ mental health is on the rise; we also know that learning is profoundly affected when students are not thriving psychosocially. As educators, it is up to all of us to help students become their best selves academically, psychologically, and socially. Mental health is not a luxury; it’s a must.”