The Annexstad Family Foundation (AFF), a national leader in providing scholarships to resilient and high-achieving students, is proud to announce a transformative collaboration with the #NotAloneChallenge, a global mental health movement co-founded by the Inspiring Children Foundation, iHeartMedia, and singer-songwriter and mental health advocate Jewel.
In collaboration with AFF, the #NotAloneChallenge launched the College Mental Health Toolkit, a resource created specifically to support students navigating the challenges of life on and off campus. From stress and anxiety to overactive thoughts and disrupted sleep, the toolkit offers a diverse range of proven tools and practices to meet students where they are and help them take meaningful steps toward wellness.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Designed with college life in mind, the toolkit provides a powerful combination of:
- Guided Meditations including a 21-Day Series and peer-led audio support from Stanford and Annexstad scholar Cherrial Odell.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)–inspired journaling prompts to help organize thoughts, reduce overwhelm, and regain clarity.
- Breathing and mindfulness techniques, including Box Breathing and 10-Breath Meditations for grounding and calming the nervous system.
- Sleep support tools including nightly journaling practices, expert tips for healthy sleep habits, and curated playlists.
- Creative and physical reset ideas like nature walks, dancing, art, and cold plunges—offering students fun, research-backed ways to break stress cycles.
“Mental health matters” said Elin Wahman, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Annexstad Family Foundation. “In honor of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, this partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to empower students who’ve already navigated circumstances beyond their control and deserve every possible tool to continue thriving in college and beyond.”
A Shared Mission for Impact
The #NotAloneChallenge is one of the world’s largest digital mental health campaigns, making more than 3.2 billion impressions online. By joining forces, AFF and the Inspiring Children Foundation hope to make mental health support more approachable and available to college students and beyond.
The toolkit is available online for free and linked here: College Mental Health Toolkit
If you or someone you know is in crisis right now, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
About the Inspiring Children Foundation & the #NotAloneChallenge
The #NotAloneChallenge is a global mental health campaign designed to remind people they’re not alone while providing free, accessible mental health tools. Co-founded by the Inspiring Children Foundation, iHeartMedia, and singer-songwriter and mental health advocate Jewel, the campaign has brought together hundreds of CEOs, celebrities, musicians, and wellness leaders to create the largest mental health initiative of its kind—reaching over 3.2 billion people across social media.
The Inspiring Children Foundation has spent over two decades transforming the lives of at-risk youth in Las Vegas through a whole human approach to physical, emotional, and mental health. With a 95% college scholarship success rate through its Leadership Program—and components of its model now being replicated in 22 cities nationwide— ICF continues to set a powerful example of what’s possible when young people are given the tools to heal, grow, and thrive.
Access free mental health resources and tools anytime at NotAloneChallenge.org.
About The Annexstad Family Foundation
The Annexstad Family Foundation (AFF), provides college scholarships to resilient, high-achieving students who have overcome significant life challenges. Founded on the belief that higher education is a great equalizer, AFF empower these future leaders to reach their full potential. For over 25 years, their commitment has remained steadfast: to expand access to higher education for those whose circumstances may have limited their opportunities. Annexstad Scholars are changemakers who use their degrees to uplift communities and inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams. The impact of AFF scholarships extends far beyond graduation, opening doors for a lifetime.
Learn more about the AnnexstadFamilyFoundation.org