Mental Health America Youth Policy Accelerator 2026–2027: Earn a $3,000 Stipend While Shaping Youth Mental Health Policy in the United States

Applications Open for Mental Health America’s Prestigious Youth Policy Accelerator (YPA) 2026–2027

Young leaders passionate about mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, public policy, peer support, and systems change now have an exciting opportunity to influence mental health policy at the national level.

Mental Health America (MHA) has officially opened applications for its 2026–2027 Youth Policy Accelerator (YPA), a highly competitive youth leadership program designed to place young people’s voices and priorities at the center of mental health policy discussions.

The program will select five exceptional young adults from across the United States and provide them with training, mentorship, policy development experience, networking opportunities, and a $3,000 stipend while working on advancing youth peer support policy.

Participants will gain hands-on experience collaborating with experts, advocates, policymakers, and youth leaders while helping shape the future of mental health services for young people nationwide.

What is the Mental Health America Youth Policy Accelerator?

The Youth Policy Accelerator is a national youth leadership initiative developed by Mental Health America to ensure that young people have meaningful opportunities to influence mental health policies that directly affect their lives and communities.

The 2026–2027 cohort will focus specifically on:

State Youth Peer Support Policy

Youth peer support is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for improving mental health outcomes among young people. The YPA seeks to strengthen and expand access to peer support programs by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to advocate for effective policy change.

Participants will help develop youth-centered policy recommendations that can be used by advocates, organizations, and decision-makers across the United States.

Program Structure

The Youth Policy Accelerator consists of two major phases.

Part I: Policy Development and Research

July 2026 – September 2026

During the first phase, participants will work together to develop model state legislation and policy recommendations related to youth peer support.

Activities include:

• Learning about youth peer support policy
• Conducting policy research
• Interviewing experts and stakeholders
• Participating in leadership development activities
• Co-authoring youth-driven policy recommendations
• Building knowledge of legislative processes

Time commitment:

• Approximately 2–4 hours per week

Part II: Advocacy and Policy Action

October 2026 – March 2027

The second phase focuses on turning ideas into action.

Participants will:

• Publish policy recommendations
• Collaborate with the National Youth Peer Support Coalition
• Educate policymakers and advocates
• Participate in national advocacy efforts
• Support implementation strategies
• Advance youth peer support policy nationwide

The phase includes:

• Twice-monthly virtual check-ins
• Ongoing mentorship
• Policy engagement opportunities
• Public speaking experiences

Attend and Speak at a National Conference

One of the most exciting components of the program is the opportunity to participate in Mental Health America’s major national events.

Participants will attend and speak at:

Mental Health America Policy Institute and Annual Conference

Location:
Washington, D.C.

Dates:
October 6–9, 2026

This event brings together:

• Policymakers
• Researchers
• Mental health professionals
• Advocates
• Youth leaders
• Community organizations

Participants will share their work, engage with national leaders, and contribute to important policy conversations.

Financial Support

$3,000 Stipend

Each selected Youth Policy Accelerator member receives:

• A $3,000 participation stipend

This compensation recognizes the value of participants’ time, expertise, and contributions.

Conference Scholarship

Participants will also receive full support to attend the Washington, D.C. conference.

Covered expenses include:

• Travel
• Lodging
• Conference participation

Why Apply?

The Youth Policy Accelerator offers far more than a leadership title.

Participants gain practical skills, professional experience, and national-level exposure.

1. Build Real Policy Experience

Participants learn:

• Policy analysis
• Legislative development
• Policy advocacy
• Research methods
• Coalition building

2. Develop Leadership Skills

The program strengthens:

• Public speaking
• Strategic communication
• Facilitation
• Teamwork
• Advocacy leadership

3. Influence Mental Health Policy

Participants directly contribute to policy recommendations and advocacy strategies that may influence state-level systems.

4. Expand Your Professional Network

Members connect with:

• Mental health experts
• Policymakers
• Researchers
• Advocates
• National youth leaders

5. Join a Lifelong Community

Participants become part of Mental Health America’s youth leadership network, which includes more than 150 alumni.

This network provides:

• Continued training
• Leadership opportunities
• Mentorship
• Professional development

Who Should Apply?

Mental Health America encourages applications from young adults with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

The organization is particularly interested in applicants who are passionate about improving mental health systems and expanding access to youth peer support.

Previous participants have backgrounds in:

• Research
• Public policy
• Mental health advocacy
• College programs
• Peer support services
• Community organizing
• Youth leadership initiatives

The program values lived experience and diverse perspectives.

Application Requirements

Applicants must address the following topics:

Why Youth Peer Support Matters

Explain your interest in peer support and why it is important.

Experience with Peer Support Programs

Examples include:

• Peer support initiatives
• Mental health education programs
• Online support communities
• Crisis text lines
• Certified peer specialist roles

Experience in Mental Health Advocacy or Policy

Share examples of policy, advocacy, leadership, or community engagement work.

What You Hope to Gain

Describe how the program aligns with your goals.

How You Will Contribute

Explain how you will support and enrich the experience of fellow participants.

Submission Formats

Applicants may submit:

• Essays
• Video responses
• Bulleted responses

Written submissions:

• 250–500 words

Video submissions:

• 3–5 minutes

Applicants may also provide:

• Academic papers
• Articles
• Websites
• Blogs
• Social media projects
• Advocacy portfolios
• Research work

Important Dates

Application Deadline:
July 17, 2026

Selection Notifications:
July 23, 2026

Program Duration:
July 2026 – March 2027

Conference Dates:
October 6–9, 2026

Contact Information

For questions about the application process or assistance completing the application:

Jackie Menjivar
Manager of Peer and Youth Advocacy
Mental Health America

Email:
jmenjivar@mhanational.org

Click HERE to learn more and apply!

Conclusion

The Mental Health America Youth Policy Accelerator 2026–2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for young advocates to gain practical policy experience, develop leadership skills, influence mental health systems, and join a national movement advancing youth peer support.

With a $3,000 stipend, national conference participation, mentorship, and direct engagement with policymakers and experts, the program provides an ideal platform for emerging leaders who want to create meaningful change in youth mental health policy.

For young adults committed to mental health advocacy and systems transformation, this opportunity represents a powerful pathway to leadership, impact, and long-term professional growth.

Visit Opportunities for Youth (OFY) to discover more global Fellowship, Health, and Accelerator opportunities.