$25 million gift announced by Michael Schill will establish a pioneering institute dedicated to adolescent mental health and well-being at university
A transformative new $25 million donation at Northwestern University will fund the creation of the Institute for Adolescent Mental Health and Well-being, an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at advancing research, improving student support systems, and addressing what many health experts consider one of the most pressing public health crises of this generation.
The new institute will bring together faculty from Northwestern’s highly ranked psychology department, as well as experts in neurobiology, psychiatry, education, social policy, and communication.
Drawing on the university’s longstanding legacy of psychological research—dating back to its early embrace of the discipline in the 19th century—the initiative is designed not only to deepen understanding of adolescent mental health challenges but also to translate those insights into direct support for students.
A distinguishing feature of the initiative is its close partnership with Northwestern’s Division of Student Affairs.
This collaboration aims to provide researchers with real-time insights into the lived experiences of students, while student affairs professionals benefit from the latest scientific understanding and evidence-based practices.
A portion of the gift is specifically allocated to support new and existing wellness programs on campus, reinforcing the donor’s commitment to grounding research in real-world impact.
University leaders have praised the gift as visionary and deeply timely.
President Michael Schill described the donation as a catalyst for innovation and care, one that will allow Northwestern to lead not only in academic research but also in shaping healthier campus communities.
Adrian Randolph, dean of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, noted that the initiative exemplifies Northwestern’s capacity for cross-disciplinary excellence and social responsibility.
Susan Davis, Vice President for Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of listening to students and developing mental health strategies that are both scalable and deeply responsive to emerging needs.
The announcement comes amid sobering national data showing rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among teenagers and college-age students.
According to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College Health Association, nearly 40 percent of U.S. high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
In contrast, three-quarters of college students experience moderate to severe psychological distress.
By marrying rigorous academic inquiry with practical applications in campus life, Northwestern’s new institute seeks not only to respond to the current mental health crisis but to lead a new era in adolescent well-being—one grounded in empathy, evidence, and long-term commitment.