Aim For Mental Health

The AIM Ideas Lab is a culturally responsive, project-based Youth Participatory Action Research program that inspires teens to explore youth mental health solutions. AIM Ideas Lab Program provides high school students with guidance and support in identifying their own mental health solutions by learning about scientific survey design and creating their own peer-to-peer mental health survey. Students then analyze the results and gain unique insights into emerging youth mental health challenges, develop recommendations, and propose solutions. The AIM Ideas Lab students present their research to educators, parents, researchers, and policy makers in the community. Through ongoing exploration, youth researchers, the AIM Scientific Advisory Board, and adult mentors work together to find solutions to the growing youth mental health crisis.In 2024, the AIM Ideas Lab Program engaged 90 youth researchers from 37 different schools resulting in 1,156 high school survey respondents who shared their experiences, perspectives, and solutions.

AIM is committed to funding research that transforms youth mental health care by prioritizing early intervention and prevention. AIM supports promising researchers and funds early-stage, cutting edge clinical research to develop better treatments and coping strategies for youth struggling with their mental health. Research shows that half of all mental health conditions emerge before age 14, yet too often, youth face barriers to care. AIM's research funding accelerates innovative solutions, empowers youth and families, and expands access to quality care, ensuring that mental health challenges are identified and addressed earlybefore they escalate into lifelong struggles.AIM's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of a diverse group of renowned mental health researchers and distinguished group of doctors in the pediatric mental health community, representing major research institutions throughout the world. The SAB guides our strategic investments in youth mental health research, strategizing the most effective ways to fund research to help youth today.AIM awarded one Clinical Science Fellow and two Implementation and Equity Fellows in 2024.

AIM for Awareness Design Challenge invites students from 6th to 12th grade to use creative expression as a means to open dialogues about mental health, encouraging other youth to speak up, seek help, and spread messages of hope. This challenge raises awareness among youth and the wider community, breaking down barriers and reducing stigma around mental health issues through the unique perspectives of the youth artwork. With entries from around the world, AIM combines creativity and advocacy, calling on young advocates to bust stigma and build connections through art.The Design Challenge art exhibit and reception provides a memorable evening for local youth and their families. It is heartening to see the level of emotional awareness, compassion, and creativity that emerges through the students' art and share it with the community. Over 200 art submissions from California, New Jersey, and from as far away as Germany, were received, judged, framed, and displayed at the reception in 2024, where the top honorees in each category were presented to the community and had a chance to share their message either in person or via video.