Are you passionate about mental health, leadership and creating change? Join us and help elevate youth voices across California!
Who can join?
Youth in grades 6-12 can apply! Positions are currently open in Humboldt County and Marin County in Northern California, in Merced and Madera County in the Central Valley, and in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego and Orange Counties in Southern California.
What you’ll do:
- Learn about the California Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA)
- Meet with local leaders and share your ideas
- Do research on mental health in your community
- Lead local and statewide advocacy projects
- Help plan and present at a youth-led statewide conference
What you’ll get:
- A stipend of $100/mo.
- Connections with other youth leaders across the state
- Experience designing and implementing research and advocacy projects
- Meeting decision makers at the local and statewide levels
How to apply:
Applications are closed for the 2025-2026 program year – they will open again in October of 2026. In the meantime, fill out this Interest Form and follow us on Instagram at @ylinstitute to stay updated about the program.