Application Deadline: August 28, 2026
About the Young Leaders Council
The Young Leaders Council (YLC) is made up of young people (18-25) who have created programs and initiatives to fill gaps in mental health support and resources in their communities. The purpose of the YLC is to convene youth leaders, provide professional and personal development opportunities, and co-create projects that elevate youth perspectives and priorities to address pressing issues in mental health. The 2026-2027 YLC will focus on financial well-being and access to meaningful work that builds social connection, agency, and pathways for the future.
Why This Focus Matters
Right now, many young adults are facing mental health challenges tied to the cost of living, shifting pathways to higher education and credentialing, and the evolving impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs. While financial stability is foundational to well-being, many young people are struggling to find stable, supportive employment. In the U.S., almost 12% of youth are not in education, employment, or training, and 41% of recent college graduates are considered underemployed. Five outstanding young adult leaders (18-25) will be selected to participate in the 2026 YLC to address this issue. Together, the cohort will investigate, inform, and advocate for initiatives that support employment opportunities, financial well-being, and mental health among young people.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is looking for applicants with direct experience in programs and initiatives that support employment opportunities, financial well-being, and mental health among young people. Examples include experience working with or participating in:
- State and local initiatives creating new pathways to employment
- Apprenticeships or job-training programs that integrate mental health support
- Businesses like bakeries or barbershops designed to support youth transitioning out of the juvenile justice system
- Research on supported employment for young adults with mental health or substance use conditions
Successful applicants may include those who have worked in community education and outreach roles, served on advisory boards, participated in programs that combine job training and mental health services, worked as part of a research team, and more.
If you are second-guessing yourself, don’t. Many of our youth leaders almost didn’t apply because they weren’t sure if they were qualified.
What YLC Members Do
Over the nine-month term (September 2026 to May 2027), YLC members will:
- Attend monthly 90-minute virtual meetings to talk with experts, select group priorities, and identify and elevate strategies and approaches that advance youth employment and well-being
- Co-create a capstone project based on monthly sessions and group priorities
- Attend and speak at the Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C., October 8–9, 2026 (with travel and lodging covered by MHA)
- Amplify their work and ideas through MHA’s national network, including partners and affiliates
- Join MHA’s expanding impact network of youth program graduates, which includes ongoing training and community building
- Receive a $2,000 stipend
Application Requirements
Please complete the application form to submit your application for Mental Health America’s 2026-2027 Young Leaders Council.
In video or writing, please address the following three questions:
- Why do you believe new approaches to employment and work are important for youth mental health?
- What programs or initiatives have you been involved in or led at the intersection of job and youth mental health? Please include details about the program, the target audience, and the impact. This initiative could be a policy initiative, training program, nonprofit, research project, or something else entirely.
- What are your future goals for your program/initiative and your work?
Important Notes:
- Written responses should be 250-500 words total
- Videos should be no longer than five minutes
- Preferred means for video submissions are YouTube or Google Drive links
- Applications that do not address all three questions will not be considered
- Applications can be submitted as videos, essays, or bulleted answers
Key Dates
- Applications Due: August 28, 2026
- Applicants Notified: By September 4, 2026
- YLC Term: September 2026 – May 2027
- Conference: October 8–9, 2026 (Washington, D.C.)
Contact Information: For questions or support completing the application, contact Jackie Menjivar, MHA’s Manager of Peer and Youth Advocacy, at jmenjivar@mhanational.org.
How to Apply
Application Link: Click here to apply
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