Students aged 16+ may be eligible to participate in a community-based career development program through the Child Mind Institute called the Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA).

The YMHA offers each participating student the opportunity to:

  • receive up to a $2,000 stipend for completing project-based learning
  • acquire career skills and knowledge
  • build their resume
  • develop professional networks
  • work on a capstone project with a group of their peers
  • be inspired to pursue a career in a mental health-related field

The project-based learning portion of the program will take place from June 19 through July 22, 2023. Participants will also complete an internship in a mental health-related field during the summer of 2024. Through project-based learning and ongoing programming in the 2023–24 school year, students will receive mentorship and support from experienced professionals.

Youth Mental Health Academy participants receive:

  • First summer: Paid project-based learning around mental health issues, symptoms, treatment, and careers, and an opportunity to complete a capstone presentation (with a stipend of up to $2,000).
  • Academic year programming: College planning workshops and other community-building activities.
  • Second summer: A paid internship in a mental health-related field.
  • Duration of program: Mentorship from an early-career professional or a college or graduate student pursuing a health-related career.

If you’re interested in joining YMHA, It’s easy to do — just go to YMHA for more information or to apply.