Hopelab Foundation Inc

SUPPORT OF TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH Hopelab supported programmatic efforts for an inaugural cohort of six HBCU researchers to drive Black youth wellness initiatives. The HBCU Translational Science Fellowship is designed for research faculty and career researchers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities who have expertise in Black youth well-being and who have a goal of translating this research into practical approaches and solutions. In 2024, Hopelab launched the Early Career Research Grant, which provides access to youth well-being data and $10,000 for early-career researchers. Hopelab continued to incubate a program, the Purpose Commons, in partnership with Cornell University, focused on bridging the gap between the science of purpose and its practical application. It will launch in early 2025.

INVESTMENTSHopelab continues to expand its external investments initiative to invest in and partner with entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and innovators who are similarly committed to improving the health and well-being of Brown, Black, and Queer young people. This capability allowed for the flexibility to support both for-profit and nonprofit teams dedicated to scaling social impact. Hopelab's investment approach combines early-stage capital with expertise in research, design, youth co-creation, and payment models to support the development and adoption of better, more diverse, and accessible mental health and well-being solutions for young people. In 2024 Hopelab made direct equity or convertible equity investments in the following companies: Backpack Health, Flourish Health, InStride, Manatee, Mightier, ReflexAI, and Wayfinder. These investments expanded the portfolio to include organizations in the education, AI, and Medicaid spaces.

RESEARCHHopelab centers the voices of Black, Brown, and Queer young people communities most affected by mental health challenges. Through co-designed research, we amplify their experiences, affirm their humanity, and prioritize their well-being. We published the third installment of our National Survey tracking social media's role in youth mental health in partnership with Common Sense Media. Another report followed, focusing on a diverse sample of LGBTQ+ young people, examining parasocial relationships, AI chatbots, and joyful online interactions. We partnered with the Center for Digital Thriving to co-produce a case study, Demystifying Youth Engaged Research, which helps researchers take the first step to including young people in the co-creation process of their research.