Mental Health Support Project Launches at INDLS 

Please note: The following blog includes mentions of suicide. 

Prioritizing mental health is a central value at Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS). Our licensed teachers and counselors are trained to meet students’ emotional needs in addition to supporting them in reaching academic success. However, creating a positive mental health environment extends beyond the work of our staff. This year, one INDLS student was inspired to launch a project to offer encouragement to peers who may be struggling with mental health. 

AJ, a sophomore at INDLS, worked alongside fellow INDLS National Technical Honors Society students to create the board in the K12 Zone, an interactive virtual campus where students connect and collaborate. The virtual board, which launched on Rock-It Day on Dec. 19, 2025, is available to all high school students at INDLS and directs students to support hotlines. Peers and staff can leave encouraging messages to ensure classmates know they are not alone. All messages are reviewed by INDLS staff before they appear on the board. 

AJ was moved to action after two of his friends attempted suicide. He began researching and was shocked to learn that suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens in Indiana, according to the Indiana Center for Prevention. In an effort to support his peers and reduce the rate of teen suicide, AJ came up with the idea to start working on this project.  

“I want other students to be able to have a place where they could find encouraging notes to get through whatever they’re going through and know there are people who care about them,” AJ said. “I don’t want families to go through losing a child due to bullying or any mental health struggles.” 

After experiencing bullying starting in kindergarten, AJ understands firsthand the impact peer interactions can have on mental health. Socialization in the traditional classroom setting was difficult for him due to his seizures, migraines, and ADHD. His family tried homeschooling while he was in elementary school before they found a safe learning environment at INDLS. Eight years later, he is thriving as a straight-A student. 

“INDLS saved my life,” AJ said. “My teachers and friends have helped me feel safe so I can focus on my academics.” 

INDLS has given AJ the confidence to get involved in sports and extracurricular activities. He credits the National Technical Honors Society for creating a safe space that helped him overcome social anxiety and made him feel more comfortable taking on leadership roles. He is currently training to be a professional baseball player, but he is also considering a career in aerospace engineering.  

AJ appreciates the flexibility of being able to take breaks, rewatch class, and receive one-on-one support from his teachers. He also enjoys the opportunity to explore his interests and prepare for his next steps. This past semester, he took a class to learn about drones and earned a Basic Commercial Droning certification. 

INDLS is committed to providing a supportive and consistent individual learning experience to help students like AJ thrive. We leverage creative approaches to promote socialization in a safe, monitored environment to foster belonging and friendship through events, esports leagues, extracurricular clubs, virtual field trips, and more. 

If you are interested in enrolling your student in our supportive community, learn more about enrollment options.