Tess isn’t alone in her struggle. In fact, one in three young adults experience depression, anxiety, or mental illness. Yet more than half have received zero care or treatment. Statistics sadly reveal the real-life consequences of this lack of care – suicide is the second leading cause of death among Generation Z.
This heartbreaking epidemic is why The Tepper Foundation is privileged to partner with The Jed Foundation, named after the Founders’ youngest son, Jed, who was lost to suicide in 1998. To honor his memory and help others, JED serves teens and young adults in New Jersey and nationwide by filling a need among a generation hungry for mental health awareness, treatment, and care.
JED leads the way in providing evidence-based comprehensive help right where Generation Z is – in high schools, universities, and two- and four-year colleges. While these institutions and their staff interact with young adults every day, most of higher education currently lacks a concrete strategy for mental health programs. High schools aren’t much better: a majority are without mental health support and suicide prevention programs.
JED is turning the tide through its comprehensive and durable approach to protecting youth emotional health and addressing suicide prevention. The Tepper Foundation proudly supports their innovative work in three areas to effect positive change for teenagers and young adults:
Capacity Building
Through JED Campus and JED High School programs, academic institutions receive proven systems, programs, and policies that help with strategic planning, program evaluation, and resource development.
Changing the Narrative
JED focuses on changing the narrative around emotional health and mental illness through digital campaigns, partnerships with high-profile voices, community workshops, and working with family members to raise awareness about youth emotional health.
Policy and Advocacy
JED consistently advocates for mental health policies in schools, increased access to mental health services and increased funding and accommodations for mental health programs in high schools and universities.”
Just last year, JED grew its reach significantly, making an even deeper impact in bringing mental health awareness and solutions to high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide:
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95 colleges and universities joined the JED Campus program, representing more than 1 million students. This brings JED Campuses to a total of 504 higher educational institutions across 44 states, reaching nearly 6 million students.
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47 high schools joined the JED High School program, representing approximately 42,000 students. This brings the JED High School program to a total of 112 high schools across 18 states, representing nearly 100,000 students.
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JED partnered with the AASA, The School Superintendents Association, to create The District Comprehensive Approach. Now, PreK-12 school districts across the U.S. have access to evidence-based framework, expert support, best practices, and data-driven guidance, to protect mental health and prevent suicide for millions of students The first cohort began in 2023 in 15 school districts, and the program rolls out in full later this year.
JED’s thoughtfulness, efficiency, and commitment to mental health for a young generation in need are exceptional. But Tessa says it best, as her improvement is a testament to the care she has received:
“I’ve accepted that this grief and loss is an added layer to my mental health trajectory.”
Tessa is confident and committed to consistently strengthening her emotional health – as will others through JED’s comprehensive support.
The Tepper Foundation has proudly partnered with JED since our first mental health grants were awarded. Now, when mental health care is more important than ever, we look forward to supporting JED’s evolving role in improving students’ lives across the country.