The USC Ice Bucket Challenge, which raises awareness for mental health, was brought back in March 2025 by students at the University of South Carolina’s Mental Health Needs Discussion (MIND) and continues to be active as of today. The challenge uses the familiar format that resembles the original ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that went viral in 2014 and raised millions for ALS research.
“What I know about the Ice Bucket Challenge is that it plays an important role in encouraging people, especially young students, to openly ask for help,” said Yilkauli Rodriguez, a freshman at Manheim Township. “It has personally helped me to understand that not everyone wants to share their experiences, even if it might be easier for others.”
Participants, like they did in 2014, are to pour ice water over themselves, post the videos and nominate others to join. The original goal of the #SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge was to raise awareness and to break the stigma surrounding mental health. The challenge aims to break down the barriers to open communication about mental health to make it more accessible and comfortable to talk about. While also raising funds for programs and organizations like Active Minds that advocate for youth mental health, the challenge aims to encourage people to talk about their mental health, reminding them that support is always available to anyone and encouraging people to share their personal experiences with others.
“I really enjoyed the challenge,” said Maddison Shoemaker, a freshman at Manheim Township. “I think that spreading awareness and understanding that it is okay to share about our mental health struggles is an efficient way to help others reach out the best we can.”
“Something that encouraged me to do the challenge is just the fact that by spreading the word around, it might change someone’s life and help them out at least even a little bit,” said MT freshman Frances Booker.
According to the University of South Carolina, the USC Ice Bucket Challenge collected over $240,000 for Active Minds by late April.
