EmpowerU Launches Tech-Powered Solution to Address Student Anxiety and Depression

EmpowerU today announced this week that the company has secured $1 million in seed funding to launch its highly personalized, tech-powered, social-emotional learning solution nationwide. The funding will fuel EmpowerU’s efforts to bring much-needed mental health support to students beyond Minnesota, where more than 1,000 students have already benefited with improved wellbeing, confidence, and hope.

This round of financing was led by Capita3, a Twin Cities venture firm with a focus on women-led organizations. Additional investment partners include ECMC and GreatNorth Labs.

A recent EdWeek survey indicated that 66% of high school principals are actively searching for effective solutions to battle the escalating levels of student anxiety, avoidance and depression. With EmpowerU, student growth happens one day at a time, one small step at a time through engaging, online skill-building lessons supported by daily 1:1 motivational coaching. This daily blend of support results in significant improvements in emotional wellbeing, school attendance, and grades, while decreasing the need for more costly interventions.

EmpowerU coaches are highly trained, empathetic therapists who help students face their obstacles and make the important connection between core concepts in online lessons and the unique challenges in their lives, fueling change.

“EmpowerU delivers transformational student support at a fraction of the cost of therapy,” said Katie Dorn, the company’s co-founder. “As a licensed school counselor and therapist, I know how desperate educators are for cost-effective tools that actually help students overcome struggle. Although most students are unable to control their barriers, EmpowerU helps them navigate obstacles and come out the other side stronger. Students build hope that despite their difficult circumstances, they can feel better and thrive, today and in the future.”

Independent evaluation of EmpowerU showed that:

  • More than 93% of students who complete EmpowerU make a dramatic shift from discouragement and anxiety to improved wellbeing, motivation, and hope.
  • More than 88% of students complete the program, compared to 5-30% completion rates with other programs.
  • More than 98.5% of students would recommend EmpowerU to a friend or classmate.

Students can access the EmpowerU portal on any computer or mobile device. The semester-long course can be completed online in only 20 to 30 minutes per weekday. EmpowerU’s approach is aligned with CASEL and National Health and Wellness standards, so students who complete all six units of the course can receive a semester wellness credit.

EmpowerU was launched in Minneapolis-St. Paul by three clinicians from different but complementary adolescent mental health specialties who saw the deep need to re-engineer the delivery of mental health support to schools. The highly supported course uses evidence-based strategies, habit-change tools, wellness focus, and mental health coaching methodology to empower students to decrease anxiety and build persistence, resilience, and confidence.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

generative AI tools
Generative AI tools Is Taking On the Tedious Tasks—Freeing Teachers to Inspire, Mentor, and Elevate Student Thinking
May 21, 2025

Artificial intelligence is changing the rules of engagement in education. As generative AI tools like ChatGPT become increasingly integrated into academic environments, they’re reshaping what productivity, personalization, and pedagogy look like. According to McKinsey’s research, teachers typically spend 20 to 40 percent of their time on tasks that could be automated with today’s technology,…

Read More
MedTech
From Finance to the Future of Cardiac Innovation: Ken Nelson on Building, Leading, and Investing in MedTech
May 21, 2025

Over the past two decades, digital health has evolved from a niche concept to a cornerstone of modern care—especially in cardiology, where MedTech innovations like remote monitoring and wearable devices are redefining how patients are diagnosed and managed. Yet behind every billion-dollar breakthrough is a leader who knew how to commercialize it. As cardiovascular startups…

Read More
Restoring Safety: A Holistic Approach to Threat Assessment
May 20, 2025

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Ray Fuller about how threat assessment can be deeply rooted in empathy, structure, and restorative practices. Fuller shares his journey from educator to districtwide safety leader, offering a look into…

Read More
Private Aviation
Private Aviation Demystified: Fractional, Leases, and the Real Costs
May 20, 2025

Private aviation is no longer just for the rich and famous. Industry data shows that fractional jet ownership grew significantly during the pandemic, which is a clear indication that it is far outpacing traditional charter services and full ownership models. Amid post-COVID shifts in travel habits and corporate belt-tightening, the interest in private aviation…

Read More