What is the USC ice bucket challenge? Viral social media trend revived after 11 years to raise awareness for mental health

There is a new trend in town, called the USC ice bucket challenge. It is inspired by the ALS ice bucket challenge that became immensely viral over a decade ago.

Around 11 years ago, the ALS ice bucket challenge garnered a huge response across the world. It was meant as a campaign to raise awareness about the illness and garner donations for the ALS Foundation.

As per USA Today, over $115 million was raised due to that campaign.

Taking inspiration from that, there is a new USC ice bucket challenge in town, but it's to raise donations for mental health.

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More about USC ice bucket challenge

The USC ice bucket challenge was started by a group of students at the University of South Carolina's MIND club. MIND stands for Mental Illness Needs Discussion, and this campaign aims to bring more attention to mental health.

It also aims to raise donations for Active Minds, a youth mental health nonprofit.

The members of the club shared a video of themselves taking the ice bucket challenge, naming it the #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge, on March 31, 2025.

Founder of the MIND club and Sophomore at USC, Wade Jefferson, said (via Active Minds):

“It started as a random idea, inspired by the original ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and how powerful that movement was. We wanted to bring that same energy to mental health. Watching it take off – seeing people we admire, like Peyton Manning, join in – has been surreal. We’re proud, grateful, and just excited to see how far it’s gone and continue to go.”

In the #SpeakYourMind challenge, participants take a bucket filled with water and ice and dunk it over their heads. They then donate money to Active Minds.

They share their challenge on social media with a link for donation and nominate at least three more people to take it.

Sharing their belief in the campaign, Active Minds Founder & Executive Director, Alison Malmon, said:

“This campaign is everything Active Minds stands for—bold, mission-driven, and youth-led. To see youth and young adults take an iconic viral moment and breathe new life into it for mental health advocacy is incredibly powerful. It’s proof that when young people rally together with passion and purpose, they don’t just raise awareness—they ignite a movement. This is how we create a new era of mental health.”

As of April 23, 2025, over $40,000 has been raised via over 2,300 donations. This money will be used for resources to help youth and young adults deal with mental health issues.

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ALS Association responds to USC Ice Bucket Challenge

With the new USC ice bucket challenge garnering popularity, the ALS Association has responded to it. They shared a post on Instagram, pointing out that this challenge originated with raising awareness about ALS.

They wrote:

"The Ice Bucket Challenge started with ALS. We remember who we are — and we won’t stop until there’s a cure. Raise your bucket and join us."

ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is a neurodegenerative disorder. This affects a person's nervous system, mainly the spinal cord. The affected person gradually loses control of all muscles in their body.

The ALS ice bucket challenge saw some of the biggest celebrities and icons also take part and donate to the cause 11 years ago.

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