Application to Join Active Minds’ Mental Health Advocacy Academy
Youth and young adults have made it clear that many of the most pressing mental health-related issues are connected to racial and social justice, creating equitable access to mental health care, developing youth-centered mental health policies (school board, local, or state), and achieving affordable, culturally appropriate, comprehensive health care. The Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy is a two-part leadership development and mental health advocacy program that equips high school students to address mental health-related issues and effect change in their schools, communities, and states.
This unique leadership program provides rising 9th-12th grade high school students with the knowledge and skills needed to become a mental health advocate who positively impacts school, community, and state culture and increases mental health resources for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth and their communities.
Qualifications:
Eligible Academy members must be:
Be a current high school students (Rising 9th grade - 12th grade)
Be committed to improving the mental health experiences of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or intersectional communities
Reside in the U.S. (regardless of immigration status)
Attend virtual sessions (internet access)
Complete and submit application by deadline
Obtain parental/caregiver consent to participate and sign an agreement that specifies expectations and the terms of participation
Expectations:
Academy members will be expected to:
Meet during the kick-off night virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, October 13th (2 hours) to engage with peers and to cover Academy expectations and policies. Please note that October 12th is also parent night. Students should be present with their parent(s)/guardian(s). The kick-off session will be held between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET.
Meet virtually via Zoom once a week on Mondays for 2 hours starting October 19th through November 16th, 2026. Meetings will be held from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm ET. Meetings are informal, and participants are expected to be conversational and engaged. It is expected that you attend all of the meetings.
Actively participate in small group discussions and activities with fellow Academy participants.
Complete between-meeting reflections and assignments to fully engage with the content and prepare for meaningful discussions during the live sessions.
Work independently and as a team member with people of various perspectives and backgrounds.
Develop a commitment statement that articulates the BIPOC/LGBTQ+ mental health issue or theme students feel the most passionate about and explain why it matters.
Complete Academy evaluations before and after the program.
Leadership Development Opportunities:
Academy members will have the opportunity to:
Engage in learning communities that specifically focus on BIPOC and LGBTQ+-related issues.
Gain real-world advocacy knowledge to make a difference in your local community.
Receive professional training from Active Minds staff.
Network with other young adult mental health advocates across the nation.
Develop leadership skills
Obtain eligibility to apply to The Academy Action Lab (part 2), which provides a stipend upon completion and allows students to connect with nationally renowned policy and mental health experts.