In Texas and across the nation, schools are facing a silent but urgent crisis: student mental health. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional disconnection are on the rise among young people—while the resources designed to support them are rapidly disappearing. With major budget cuts hitting the Department of Education, many schools are being forced to let go of counselors and critical student support staff. The very people trained to help students through life’s toughest challenges are being pulled from campuses at the time they’re needed most.
Most students will go through school without ever taking a single class on how to manage their emotions or take care of their mental well-being. And while academics are essential, emotional intelligence is just as vital to lifelong success—and survival.
That’s why the IBIY Culture Shift Tour exists—and why it’s bringing its mission home to Texas.
The Culture Shift Tour, founded by award-winning speaker Jared Scott—a native of Texas—and powered by IBIY (I Believe In You), a kindness-first initiative created by fellow Texan and entrepreneur Braxton Kilgo—this tour has become a nationwide effort to transform the way students see themselves and each other.
With over 1,000 schools impacted across the country, the IBIY Culture Shift Tour uses powerful keynote messages, student-led leadership summits, and culture-building workshops to equip schools with the tools to build stronger, more connected communities.
What makes this movement unique is its focus on peer-led solutions and kindness in action. Every student receives an IBIY bracelet, which they wear until they feel inspired to pass it on to someone who needs encouragement. Before doing so, they scan the bracelet using the IBIY mobile app and leave a personal message. As the bracelet travels from student to student, it collects messages and stories—creating a living chain of belief, connection, and hope.
These bracelets have gone beyond the classroom, showing up in homes, hospitals, and cities across the country. The app allows students to track the journey of their bracelet and witness firsthand the ripple effect their kindness can create.
Now, with Texas schools especially feeling the impact of budget shortfalls, the IBIY Culture Shift Tour is focusing its efforts on helping schools across the state. The team is actively seeking sponsors, donors, and local businesses who want to make a real impact in their own communities by helping bring these mental health and culture-building programs to campuses—at little to no cost to the school.
“This mission is personal,” says Jared Scott. “Texas is where I grew up. It’s where I started this journey. To come back and help students across our home state means everything to us.”
If you or your organization wants to sponsor a Texas school or partner with the tour to expand its reach, visit www.ibiyschools.com or email Braxton@ibelieveinyou.io.
Let’s shift the culture in Texas—together.
