Well-being, Engagement, and Belonging for All Students

Work with Us

video of teens describing how Challenge Success has helped their schools to improve youth well-being, engagement, and belonging; youth mental health & academic achievement

Challenge Success is a non-profit affiliated with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. We partner with school communities to elevate student voice and implement research-based, equity-centered strategies that improve well-being, engagement, and belonging for all K-12 students. Supporting youth mental health and academic achievement is more important than ever.

GROUNDED IN 20 YEARS OF RESEARCH AND EXPERIENCE PARTNERING WITH OVER 750 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

THE PROBLEM

The well-being of our youth is on the line

Far too many students are struggling with their mental health and well-being and experience a lack of belonging and engagement with school. We work with schools across the country to support both academic achievement and healthy child and adolescent development.

Results of our high school well-being surveys reveal:

90% are sleep deprived
75% report exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, and headaches because of stress
63% report workload is a major sources of stress
Nearly 50% put forth effort but rarely or never find school interesting or enjoyable
Only 42% feel they can really be themselves at their schools and only 40% feel like a part of the school community

i wish my teachers knew how stressed, tired, and overworked i am

THE SOLUTION

Transform educational systems to promote well-being and value each student for their unique identities, assets, and individual definition of success

Students shouldn’t have to choose between doing well and being well, but academic achievement often overshadows well-being, engagement, and belonging in schools.

“Success is measured over the course of a lifetime, not at the end of a semester.”

At Challenge Success, we partner with school communities to implement research-based, equity-centered strategies that:

two boxes side by side, box on left reads increase student well-being, engagement and belonging, sleep; box on right reads decrease stress and anxiety, depression, overload

Change happens when we elevate student voices and work together to create schools where everyone belongs. Listening to our youth has never been more important.

Real, lasting change requires the whole school community — educators, families, and students — to both identify challenges and drive solutions. Learn more or contact us.

photo of teen boy focusing on his school work; stress, academic achievement, academic pressure

“The effect of society’s high expectations and pressures on my generation is scary. Kids are depressed, anxious, sleep deprived, and in some cases suicidal. Even kids with the best grades engage in this kind of unhealthy behavior. Get involved with Challenge Success so we can all fight for this change together.”
STUDENT

“Challenge Success acted as a breath of fresh air within our extremely narrowly focused school environment. The program helped to build in play time, downtime, and family time that every student needs in order to find the necessary balance.”
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

“Our school is finally moving forward in improving student health, wellbeing, and balance all because of Challenge Success. This could not have been accomplished without their support, resources, and hands-on coaching. We could not recommend them enough for all schools.”
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR