The Ice Bucket Challenge, which went viral in 2014, has returned in full force in 2025, with the University of South California (USC) at the forefront. The original Ice Bucket Challenge gained attention over a decade ago and raised awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from millions of people including celebrities, athletes and everyday individuals drenching themselves in ice water to promote the research. The campaign was a huge success, raising over $115 million for the ALS Association in just a few months, which funded further research for understanding and treatment of the disease.
This time, the trend’s popularity is strongly influenced and driven by USC’s MIND Club (Mental Illness and Neurological Disorders) that formed late 2024 after the tragic suicides of two friends in the USC community. What started as a small grief support group evolved into a campus-wide movement focused on mental health. The club quickly gained traction by blending education, advocacy and community that promoted conversation about both physical and emotional struggles of the brain.
Sophomore Hamza Daoudi said, “I didn’t know there was a reason behind the challenge until one of my friends nominated me.”
As the trend hit social media, mainly TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, the Ice Bucket Challenge was revived and so far has already raised over $8 million. While the trend’s resurgence is nostalgic, it is also at a time of rising interest in neurological health, growing concerns about mental illness in Gen Z, and in this case, reminds people of community even in times of loss.
