Mental health has become a critical issue for students worldwide, with many grappling with stress, anxiety, and burnout in today’s competitive academic environment. To address these concerns, Chegg, a leading educational technology company, hosted its third annual Global Student Mental Health Week from February 24 to March 2, 2025. The week-long initiative, themed In It Together, emphasized the importance of community support in managing student mental health.
In partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED), Chegg organized a series of events and an online hub offering practical resources aimed at helping students prioritize their mental well-being. The events sought to foster open conversations and provide actionable advice to students on how to better manage their mental health.
Alarming Data Highlights Growing Mental Health Concerns Among Students
The necessity of initiatives like Global Student Mental Health Week was underscored by Chegg’s recent Global Student Survey, which gathered insights from more than 11,700 undergraduate students across 15 countries. The results revealed concerning trends: 55% of respondents reported inadequate sleep, 44% experienced daily anxiety, and 43% struggled with academic burnout.
Nathan Schultz, President and CEO of Chegg, emphasized the importance of supporting student mental health, noting, “It’s not just the right thing to do — it’s essential for empowering students to thrive academically, personally, and beyond the classroom.”
Collaborating for Change: JED Partners with Chegg
Chegg teamed up with various nonprofits, higher education institutions, and influential figures to bring Student Mental Health Week to life. JED, a key partner in the initiative, worked alongside Chegg to facilitate a range of activities that brought mental health issues to the forefront.
One of the highlights was a panel discussion at Clemson University in South Carolina, focusing on the intersection of social media and mental health. The panel featured experts like Dr. Marshall Anthony Jr., Chegg’s Director of Public Affairs, and Dr. Zainab Okolo, JED’s Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations. Clemson students also participated in the discussion, which covered strategies for managing online identities and combating social media burnout.
Clemson student Allison LoRusso, who participated in the panel and founded Think Strong, an organization focused on preventing burnout, reflected on the experience, saying, “It was an honor to play a role in expanding mental and social health awareness on campus alongside such an impactful group.”
Speaking Out at Morehouse College: A Focus on Black Male Mental Health
JED and Chegg also organized a spoken-word event at Morehouse College in Atlanta, aimed at supporting Black male students in discussing their mental health challenges. The event featured four students who shared their personal stories, followed by an open discussion where attendees exchanged advice and experiences related to mental well-being.
Morehouse student Jaden Brown, a participant in the event, expressed the significance of these discussions: “I hope attendees connected with the speakers on a deeper level, not just through their unique experiences, but through the passion they expressed in caring for their mental health. Events like this are important because they create safe spaces where individuals can feel seen and heard.”
Expanding Access to Mental Health Resources
In addition to in-person events, JED also launched an online platform that offered a variety of resources to students throughout the week. The resources included guided meditations, yoga exercises, conversation starters to foster connections, and journaling prompts focused on gratitude, resilience, and personal growth. The platform also featured educational videos, such as JED’s INVISIBLE GAME and Mind Matters series, along with articles on managing stress, overcoming loneliness, and more.
Chegg’s Global Student Mental Health Week 2025 provided an essential reminder of the importance of community and support in addressing the mental health challenges faced by students. Through collaborative efforts, Chegg and JED continue to lead the charge in prioritizing student well-being, aiming to reduce stigma and promote open dialogue about mental health across campuses worldwide.
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