Youth Mental Health Advocates

2027 Youth Mental Health Advocate Program

Application Resources 

 

The Academy is now accepting applications from NYC community-based organizations to host Youth Mental Health Advocates between January–July 2027.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through November 2, 2026.

 

We seek up to 10 NYC non-profit community-based organizations who provide direct services to youth between ages 10-21. Each organization will recruit and host at least 3 (and no more than 6) Youth Mental Health Advocates who:

  • Are between ages 18-24.
  • Share a meaningful connection to the CBO's mission. This may include, but is not limited to, current or former service recipients.
  • Have completed HS or a GED, do not have a college degree, and are not currently enrolled in college.
  • Want to make a difference in youth mental health.

Resources for NYC Community-Based Organizations

View a YMHA Program Overview

Find key 2027 program eligibility considerations and a program launch timeline.

 

Our Approach

See detailed information about the YMHA program, including what Youth Advocates do and what supports they receive.

 

Review the CBO Application Form

View a copy of the application to help decide if your organization wants to apply and prepare your responses.

View a YMHA Fellowship Timeline

YMHA training, coaching, and work experience will span 27 weeks from January-July 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated October 29, 2026

TO APPLY

If this program fits your your current goals and capacity, submit an application to the Academy. We ask that the following key staff, at minimum, participate in the application:

• Lead YMHA Supervisor (to be designated by your organization)
• Director or Manager of the program(s) YMHAs will be placed in
• YMHA Site Supervisor, if different from the Lead YMHA Supervisor
• Senior/Executive Team Member
• HR Lead

Resources to Recruit Youth Mental Health Advocates

For organizations selected to host Youth Mental Health Advocates, the Academy will add recruitment resources here.

Selected organizations will attend a virtual orientation on Tuesday, December 1, and begin recruiting Youth Advocates by December 2026.

Resources Coming Soon

 

YMHA - Aniayah Tell Your Story Presentation

“During COVID, mental health was declining for every person I knew, including me. Isolation became a bigger issue for myself and my friends, and people were grieving loved ones. My interest has always been in helping others. YMHA gave me an opportunity to learn more about mental health, support others, learn skills to apply in the future, and get paid. As a YMHA, I support and uphold positive mental health values, organize events for youth, learned pitfalls of mental health and how to counteract them, revitalized my love for sketching and drawing, and met so many wonderful people.”

—Former YMHA