NAMI on Campus

Because Mental Health Matters

Students face many challenges during their transition to high school and college. Academics, clubs, jobs, and new relationships can all be super exciting, but also great stressors if not properly managed. College students may face being far away from home and finding independence they didn't have before. High school students begin to see the horizon of their futures through college prep and career planning. Balancing all of the changes that happen in school can be stressful and challenging.

Those challenges are even more difficult for the 1 in 5 students who also face a mental health condition. Nearly three-quarters of mental health conditions emerge by age 24, so many students are facing mental health concerns for the first time, and may not know where to go for support.

NAMI knows that some of the best support a student can receive is from peers. When students connect with one another, they can share common experiences and support each other through the transitions. NAMI On Campus helps make those connections happen.

NAMI On Campus clubs work to end the stigma that makes it hard for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. Clubs hold creative meetings, hold innovative awareness events, and offer signature NAMI programs through partnerships with NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates across the nation.

Why NAMI On Campus?

NAMI On Campus clubs are student-led, student-run mental health clubs on high school and college campuses. NAMI On Campus clubs

• Raise mental health awareness with fairs, walks and candlelit vigils.
• Educate the campus with presentations, guest speakers and student panels.
• Advocate for improved mental health services and policies on campus.
• Support peers with signature NAMI programs and training from NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates.

As a member of a NAMI On Campus club, you will belong to the largest grassroots mental health organization in America. Club leaders have access to the staff, resources, opportunities and support that comes with being part of this national movement, including opportunities beyond your college years.

How are Clubs Supported?

NAMI On Campus clubs are supported by the local, state, and national levels of NAMI. Each NAMI On Campus club is partnered with a local NAMI Affiliate who will provide support through resources and general guidance on club operation. Although each club is student-led, we do our best to provide a basic structure to help each club create its own club culture that best suits the needs of its community. Each club can expect the following when operating as a NAMI On Campus club:

• A partner local NAMI Affiliate who will assist with general guidance on NAMI and local mental health resources and club operation.
• Access to our online resources that cover:
  • Mental Health Advocacy and Education
  • Facilitating Club Meetings
  • Event Planning
  • Succession Planning
  • Collaboration On and Off Campus
  • And more!
• Monthly emails covering new activity ideas, material updates, and opportunities to engage directly with NAMI through mini-grants and webinars.

Starting A Club

Ready to bring NAMI On Campus to your high school or college? Select either college or high school below to find out the next steps that you need to take to get started!