Mental Health America (MHA) has opened applications for its 2026–2027 Young Leaders Council (YLC), offering young people aged 18 to 25 an opportunity to contribute to national conversations and initiatives focused on youth mental health, employment and financial well-being. Five outstanding young adult leaders will be selected for the nine-month programme, which runs from September 2026 to May 2027. Selected participants will receive a $2,000 stipend, participate in monthly virtual meetings, work with experts and fellow youth leaders, develop a capstone project and join MHA’s national youth leadership network. As part of the programme, members will also attend and speak at the Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C., on October 8–9, 2026, with travel and lodging covered by Mental Health America. The application deadline is Friday, August 28, 2026. Mental Health America Young Leaders Council 2026–2027 The Young Leaders Council brings together young people who have developed or participated in programmes and initiatives designed to address gaps in mental health support and resources within their communities. The 2026–2027 cohort will focus specifically on the connection between financial well-being, meaningful employment, social connection, agency and youth mental health. MHA notes that many young adults are facing mental health challenges connected to the rising cost of living, changing pathways into higher education and credentialing, and the evolving impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level employment. The YLC will therefore explore approaches that can help young people access meaningful work while supporting their financial stability and mental well-being. What Selected Young Leaders Will Receive The programme offers selected participants a combination of leadership development, networking, advocacy and financial support. YLC members will: Receive a $2,000 stipend. Participate in a nine-month leadership programme. Attend monthly 90-minute virtual meetings. Engage with experts working on youth employment and mental health. Collaborate with other young leaders. Develop a group capstone project. Attend and speak at the Mental Health America Conference. Receive travel and lodging coverage for the conference in Washington, D.C. Amplify their work through MHA’s national network. Connect with MHA partners and affiliates. Join MHA’s growing network of youth programme alumni. Receive ongoing opportunities for training and community building. Conference Travel and Speaking Opportunity One of the major benefits of the programme is the opportunity to participate in the Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C. The 2026 conference will take place on October 8–9, 2026. Selected Young Leaders Council members will attend and speak at the conference, while MHA will cover their travel and lodging expenses. This provides young leaders with an opportunity to present their perspectives to a wider audience and engage with professionals, advocates and other stakeholders working in mental health. Who Should Apply? Mental Health America is looking for young adults aged 18–25 who have direct experience with programmes or initiatives connecting youth mental health with employment opportunities and financial well-being. Relevant experience can come from a wide range of activities. Examples include: State or local initiatives creating new employment pathways. Apprenticeships and job-training programmes incorporating mental health support. Businesses designed to support young people transitioning from the juvenile justice system. Research involving supported employment for young adults with mental health or substance use conditions. Community education and outreach. Youth advisory boards. Programmes combining job training and mental health services. Academic or independent research. Nonprofit initiatives. Policy initiatives related to youth employment and mental health. Applicants do not necessarily need to have held a formal leadership position. MHA states that it wants to identify young leaders with a broad range of experiences connected to the programme’s focus areas. What Will YLC Members Do? The Young Leaders Council will operate over approximately nine months, from September 2026 through May 2027. Members will attend monthly virtual meetings lasting approximately 90 minutes. During these meetings, participants will engage with experts, identify priorities and discuss strategies that can advance youth employment, financial well-being and mental health. The cohort will also work together to develop a capstone project based on the topics discussed during the programme and the group’s priorities. Participants will additionally have opportunities to share their work and ideas through MHA’s national network. Application Requirements Applicants must submit responses addressing three central questions. Written responses should total 250–500 words, while video submissions should be no longer than five minutes. Applicants must address: Why are new approaches to employment and work important for youth mental health? What programmes or initiatives have you been involved in or led at the intersection of jobs and youth mental health? What are your future goals for your programme, initiative and professional work? Applicants should provide specific details about programmes or initiatives they have participated in or led, including the target audience and impact where applicable. Applications that do not address all three questions will not be considered. Responses may be submitted as videos, essays or bullet-point answers. Supporting Evidence Applicants can strengthen their applications by providing supporting materials related to the work discussed in their responses. Examples include: Websites. Blogs. News articles. Social media accounts. Academic papers. Programme documentation. Other relevant links or supporting materials. Video submissions can be provided through platforms such as YouTube or Google Drive. Eligibility and Application Deadline The programme is specifically seeking young adult leaders aged 18 to 25. Applications must be submitted by: Friday, August 28, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the selection outcome by Friday, September 4, 2026. The programme itself begins in September 2026 and continues through May 2027. Mental Health America Young Leaders Council 2026–2027 at a Glance Organisation: Mental Health AmericaProgramme: Young Leaders Council 2026–2027Age: 18–25Number selected: 5 young adult leadersProgramme duration: September 2026–May 2027Focus: Youth mental health, employment and financial well-beingStipend: $2,000Meetings: Monthly 90-minute virtual meetingsConference: Mental Health America ConferenceConference dates: October 8–9, 2026Conference location: Washington, D.C.Conference travel: Covered by MHAConference lodging: Covered by MHAApplication deadline: August 28, 2026Selection notification: September 4, 2026 Why Young Leaders Should Consider the Programme The Young Leaders Council offers an opportunity for emerging leaders to gain practical experience in advocacy, leadership, networking and project development while contributing directly to discussions about issues affecting young people’s mental health. The programme’s focus on employment and financial well-being is particularly relevant as young adults navigate changing labour markets, economic pressures, education pathways and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on entry-level work. For young people who have already been involved in initiatives connecting employment, financial stability and mental health, the YLC could provide a platform to expand their networks and elevate their work nationally. How to Apply Eligible young adults should complete the Mental Health America Young Leaders Council 2026–2027 application form before the August 28 deadline. Applicants should ensure that their responses address all three required questions and clearly explain their experience, impact and future goals. Those applying in connection with a programme, organisation, business or initiative should also confirm that the relevant leaders are aware of their application and are comfortable with the initiative being featured as part of the cohort’s work. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) shares fellowships, scholarships, leadership programmes, jobs, internships, grants and other opportunities for informational purposes. GSO is not the organisation offering this programme and does not participate in the selection process. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions, dates and programme conditions directly with Mental Health America before applying. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW