Because of the incredible generosity of our sponsors, teams, and attendees, Battle of the Brains continues to help support programs that provide hope, mental health resources, and meaningful support for youth and families throughout East Texas.
Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored, volunteered, and cheered teams on throughout the event. Your involvement helps create brighter futures for students in our community!
Congratulations to Griffith Law Firm, Our 2026 Champions!
See the Highlights from Battle of the Brains 2026!
About Battle of the Brains
Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and about 1 in 4 youth experience mental illness that results in severe impairment. However, as many as 70% of students with a treatable mental health disorder never receive mental health care.
At Next Step, we believe every young person has the ability to live up to their full potential, and that there is nothing to be ashamed of when they need to ask for help. Our work includes school-based mental health counseling, peer-led suicide prevention through Sources of Strength, prevention education, and community coalitions that improve connection and promote behavioral health. Together, these programs help students build connection, strengthen coping skills, and stay linked to trusted adults.
We serve over 1,500 students every year with mental health counseling and thousands more with our suicide prevention and youth development programs across over 90 campuses in Texas.
At our Battle of the Brains, you can expect a high-energy trivia competition where you and your colleagues will go against other organization to determine whose brains are superior and it’s all to support local students! Lunch will be served. Awards will be given.
Every team registration automatically enrolls you as a member of the Alliance for Young Minds, a collaborative network of business partners, school partners, and members of the faith community dedicated to transforming the lives of Texas youth through vital mental health services.
Thank You to the 4th Annual Event Sponsors!
Media Sponsors
Centerpiece Sponsor
Sponsors/Participants
TEAM SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
PRESENTING SPONSOR: $10,000 (Limit One)
- Most prominent name and logo recognition before, during, and after the event.
- Includes front-and-center table, team entry for up to 8 players, and 8 lunch tickets.
- Invitation to share on stage at the event about your company and why you support our youth mental health programs.
- Invitation to join us for local live media interviews leading up to the event.
- Logo featured exclusively on flyers, landing page, email blasts, and dedicated social media posts.
- A package of 5 game advantages for your team.
GENIUS: $1,500
- Includes team entry fee and prominent table location.
- A bundle of 3 advantages for your team.
- Recognition in the event program, and in both traditional and digital media (if pledge is made before production).
BRAINIAC: $1,000
- Includes team entry fee.
- Recognition in the event program, and in both traditional and digital media (if pledge is made before production).
- Ability to purchase advantages during game.
CAN’T MAKE IT?
If you can’t make it to the event, that’s ok! You can still help Next Step expand access to mental healthcare and prevention services with a donation! Whether it’s a one-time or recurring donation, every bit helps us provide hope, help and strength to East Texas youth.