Mental Health America Young Leaders Council 2026-2027 in the USA | $2,000 Stipend for Youth Mental Health Advocates
Overview
The Mental Health America Young Leaders Council for 2026-2027 brings together five young leaders from across the United States to work on the connections between youth mental health, employment and financial well-being. The cohort will look at rising living costs, changes in higher education and credentialing pathways, the effect of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs, youth unemployment and underemployment, and barriers to meaningful and supportive work.
Over a nine-month term from September 2026 to May 2027, members attend monthly 90-minute virtual meetings, engage with experts and practitioners, promote strategies that support youth well-being and workforce participation, and design and carry out a collaborative capstone project. They also attend and speak at the Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C., on October 8-9, 2026.
What you get
Each member receives a $2,000 stipend, leadership and professional development, mentorship from experts in mental health and youth advocacy, and access to Mental Health America's national network and its youth leader alumni. Members also get opportunities to share their ideas nationally, plus travel and lodging support to attend the conference in Washington, D.C.
Who can apply
Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old, show leadership experience related to youth mental health, employment or financial well-being, and be available for the monthly virtual meetings from September 2026 through May 2027. They should be willing to contribute to the capstone project.
Relevant experience might include state or local employment initiatives for young people, apprenticeship or workforce programs, job training that includes mental health support, youth-focused social enterprises, community outreach, research on youth employment and mental health, or youth advisory roles. Extensive professional experience is not required, and lived experience and community involvement are welcomed.
How to apply
Applicants respond to three questions: why new approaches to work matter for youth mental health, what programs or initiatives they have led or joined that link employment and youth mental health, and what goals they have for their work. Responses can be written (250-500 words in total) or recorded as a video of up to five minutes. Supporting materials such as blogs, research papers, websites, news articles, social media content or project portfolios may be added.
Key dates
Applications close on August 28, 2026.