In 2023, we launched our first-ever Youth Policy Accelerator (YPA). The YPA is a youth leadership program that equips 10 outstanding young adults (18-25) with the skills, relationships, and experience to advance federal youth peer support policy.

Our inaugural YPA cohort helped shape mental health policy by conducting original research, meeting with policymakers, launching a national youth peer support policy coalition, and speaking on panels, at events, and town halls. 

After the 2024 program, we took our learnings to make the YPA even better. Now, we’re excited to launch this year’s YPA applications! 

The all-virtual YPA will take place from April 2025 - December 2025. In addition to receiving a $3,000 stipend, YPA members will: 

• Learn and apply skills: Gain valuable experience working on mental health policy, research, and communications. This includes public speaking, agenda setting, policy research, coalition leadership, and campaign creation.
    
• Influence federal policy and advance youth peer support: Collaborate to develop policy priorities and strategy and meet directly with policymakers and advocates.
    
• Grow their network: Build relationships with their cohort, policy experts, and MHA’s youth leaders network of over 150 program graduates with ongoing training and leadership opportunities. 

Applications are due Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Selected applicants will be notified by March 16, 2025.

Questions? Contact Jackie Menjivar, MHA’s manager of peer and youth advocacy, at jmenjivar@mhanational.org.

Mental Health America
500 Montgomery Street, Ste 820  | Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 684-7722 | info@mhanational.org