As we wrap up another year, we are reminded of the profound impact we continue to make to improve the lives of people living with illnesses of the mind and brain. We are proud that our Teen Advisory Council, created in response to the Surgeon General’s advisory, continues to inspire the next generation of young leaders in neuroscience and mental health. Thanks to supporters like you, The Friends of Semel has made remarkable strides supporting research, sponsoring educational programs, and helping to erase the stigma around mental illness. Highlights of our 2024 programs include:
Teen Advisory Council (TAC):
This year, 45 passionate high school students from across
Los Angeles have participated in our initiatives:
Open Minds “By Teens For Teens”
A powerful screening of Anxious Nation about teen anxiety and “Staying Mentally Healthy Through the College Admission Process and Transition to College Life” followed by panel discussions led by TAC members
Meet the Scientists
An enlightening day at Semel Institute labs with leading neuroscientists, including a Q&A session over lunch
Mental Health Networking
An evening hosted by the UCLA Student Active Minds chapter where professionals shared insights into careers in mental health
Salon “Our Kids and Parents Are Not OK”
An intimate conversation about “Parents Under Pressure” with two esteemed Semel Institute experts who shared insights on caring for our teens and parents
Gen Z Wellness Summits
Inaugural Summit, Spring, 2024, free to all, 600 participants including high school and college students engaged in discussions on today’s unique youth mental health challenges and heard performances by Gen Z musicians who shared their personal mental health stories. The Second Summit is scheduled for March 2,2025.
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Open Mind Community Lecture and Film Series: In 2024, 16 free virtual programs that reached global audiences. These events brought together world-renowned thought leaders in science and culture for discussions on critical mental health issues.
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Friends Research Scholar Program: Supported early-career Semel Institute’s neuroscientists and psychiatrists at the forefront of new treatments for illnesses of the mind and brain.
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The Open Mind Film Festival: This national competition invites high school students to submit short films about their personal mental health journeys. With 240 submissions in 2023, we showcased the top nine films. The 2024 festival will take place on April 27, 2025 at UCLA.
Your Support Makes a Difference! With your continued generosity, we will sustain and expand all our impactful programs. To contribute, please make your 100% tax-deductible donation online at www.friendsofsemelinstitute.org. For further
assistance, contact Wendy Kelman, Executive Director at 310-825-3119 or wkelman@mednet.ucla.edu.
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Teen Advisory Council “Mental Health Career Day”
We wish you and your loved ones a joyful and healthy New Year.