Howard University is the first academic institution to collaborate with Quantasy’s wellness app, True Voice, in hopes of getting its students to prioritize their mental health. 

According to a press release, True Voice will give students access to a community and a space of vulnerability they may not find in their classrooms or extracurricular activities.

The app will offer mindfulness courses, live sessions with experts, tools to support community organization and advocacy, and daily recommendations for each member's unique physical and mental well-being.

“In our ongoing efforts to support students’ overall well-being, we are excited to partner with the True Voice app as a complement to the variety of programs and activities offered to Howard University students,” Cynthia Evers, Ed.D., Vice President of Student Affairs at Howard University, said in a statement. 

"Gen Z college students came of age in the midst of historic pressures, including the isolation and loss of the pandemic. Our goal with True Voice is to help them make mindfulness and self-care a habit,” Will Campbell, CEO of Quantasy, said.

Quantasy Chief Growth Officer Ron Gillyard, a Howard alumnus, added, "The missions of True Voice and Howard are aligned, and we have built something that will assist in Howard's journey of finding ways to help students cope and find belonging."

According to a survey conducted by college and university search portal BestColleges in October of 2022, 95% of students experienced negative mental health symptoms as a result of COVID-19. Forty-six percent reported feelings of social isolation and loneliness, 45% dealt with increased anxiety, 44% struggled with laziness and lack of focus, 36% voted on increased depression, 35% voted on increased severity of stress, and 32% had lost hope or a sense of helplessness.

In addition, United Negro College Fund reported that in 2021 more than 60% of college students met the criteria for one or more mental health problems, which was a nearly 50% jump since 2013. In that same year, 37% of HBCU and PBI students believed that their mental health declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, a similar survey conducted by UNCF and the Steve Fund revealed that an overwhelming majority of students, faculty, and staff at HBCUs want to be informed about resources to support mental health on their campuses.

To support the efforts by True Voice and Howard University, below is a short list of Black wellness resources that HBCU students can check out on Instagram:

Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop is a Black nutritionist that uses her social media to help people understand the importance of eating healthier. 

Chasity Castro is a fitness coach that will provide you with affirmations and workout routines.

We The Urban is a community known to give daily encouragement, especially for those who find it hard to practice self-love. 

Tabitha Brown is the perfect person for easy vegan recipes, pep talks, and lots of laughter.

Minaa B., L.M.S.W. is a therapist and author who posts daily reminders about self-care and mindfulness.