At just 16, Taanvi Arekapudi has already built one of the largest youth-led mental health platforms in the world—Nexus: Mental Health Hub for Schools & Communities, which supports over 1.2 million students across the U.S., Ireland, and India.

Now, Nexus is receiving a major boost: a $50,000 donation from Google to expand its reach through website upgrades and a new mobile app. Backed by Harvard, NAMI, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, Nexus is a FREE, 24/7-access, clinically vetted platform that gives students access to coping strategies, peer stories, and culturally inclusive resources.

Since launch, Nexus has raised over $270,000 in combined cash and in-kind contributions, powered by 200+ youth ambassadors and partnerships with districts, cities, and universities nationwide. Featured on FOX, CNN, CBS, and The Seattle Times, Taanvi is now setting her sights on reaching 80 million students nationwide.

Would you like to connect with Taanvi for an interview or feature?

Press Contact:

Taanvi Arekapudi
Founder & Executive Director
Nexus: Mental Health Hub for Schools
Phone: 425.409.7529
Email: info@taanvi.us

Website: www.nexusforschools.com
Social Media: @taanvis.inspiration

Press release

Kenmore, WA — Uplift Teens Today, a nonprofit founded by 16-year-old international bestselling author and mental health advocate Taanvi Arekapudi, has received a $50,000 donation from Google to help expand its groundbreaking project, the Nexus: Mental Health Hub for Schools & Communities. Nexus, created by teens for teens, is already impacting 1.2 million students across 20+ U.S. states, 100+ schools, and pilots in Ireland and India. The platform provides 24/7 access to coping tools, expert guidance, and real peer stories, bridging cultural divides and addressing gaps in mental health support for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and neurodiverse youth.

Alongside these funds, Nexus has leveraged $200,000+ in in-kind support, including free venues, printing, video editing, and tech services, plus 5,000+ volunteer hours valued at $30/hour. Powered by 200+ youth ambassadors, a 20-member Youth Board, and a network of adult advisors, Nexus has raised a total of $270,000+ in combined cash and in-kind contributions since launch.

“This support from Google validates what young people across the country already know, youth-led solutions are changing the future of mental health,” said Taanvi Arekapudi, Founder & President of Uplift Teens Today. “With this investment, we’ll continue scaling Nexus through website upgrades and our upcoming mobile app, ensuring students everywhere have access to support whenever they need it.”

Nexus has been recognized by top organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Harvard’s Digital Wellness Lab, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and endorsed by leaders such as Governor Jay Inslee and the White House. The

nonprofit has been featured in 50+ major media outlets (FOX, CNN, CBS, ABC, The Seattle Times), reaching 20 million+ viewers worldwide.

With a bold vision to reach 80 million students nationwide, Nexus is on track to become the largest youth-created mental health support platform in the world.

For more information, visit www.nexusforschools.com.

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Warmly,

Taanvi Arekapudi
https://www.taanvi.us/