MHA Young Leaders Council 2026–2027 – $2,000 Stipend + Fully Funded Conference Travel
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Mental Health America (MHA) Young Leaders Council – 9-month leadership programme for ages 18-25 focused on youth mental health, employment, and financial well-being
Complete guide to eligibility, benefits, programme structure, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Mental Health America (MHA) |
| Programme | Young Leaders Council 2026–2027 |
| Age | 18–25 |
| Number Selected | 5 young adult leaders |
| Duration | 9 months (September 2026 – May 2027) |
| Stipend | $2,000 |
| Meetings | Monthly 90-minute virtual meetings |
| Conference | Mental Health America Conference |
| Conference Dates | October 8–9, 2026 |
| Conference Location | Washington, DC |
| Travel & Lodging | Covered by MHA |
| Application Deadline | 28 August 2026 |
| Selection Notification | 4 September 2026 |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Mental Health America (MHA) |
| Opportunity Category | Leadership Programme |
| Location | Remote + Washington, DC |
| Duration | 9 Months |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Language | English |
About the Young Leaders Council
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.
Why You Should Apply
$2,000 Stipend: Financial support for your leadership.
Fully Funded Conference Travel: Attend and speak at MHA Conference in Washington, DC.
National Platform: Amplify your work through MHA's network.
Expert Engagement: Work with leaders in youth employment and mental health.
Capstone Project: Develop a group project with fellow young leaders.
Alumni Network: Join MHA's growing network of youth programme alumni.
What Selected Young Leaders Will Receive
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | $2,000 |
| Leadership Programme | 9 months |
| Virtual Meetings | Monthly 90-minute sessions |
| Expert Engagement | Work with youth employment & mental health experts |
| Collaboration | Work with other young leaders |
| Capstone Project | Group project development |
| Conference Attendance | MHA Conference in Washington, DC |
| Conference Speaking | Present at the conference |
| Travel & Lodging | Covered by MHA |
| National Network | Amplify work through MHA network |
| Alumni Network | Join MHA's youth programme alumni |
| Ongoing Training | Community building opportunities |
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.
Who Should Apply?
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–25 |
| Experience | Direct experience with programmes/initiatives connecting youth mental health with employment opportunities and financial well-being |
| Background | Diverse experiences welcome – no formal leadership position required |
Relevant Experience Examples
| Experience | Details |
|---|---|
| State/Local Initiatives | Creating new employment pathways |
| Apprenticeships | Job-training programmes with mental health support |
| Businesses | Supporting youth transitioning from juvenile justice |
| Research | Supported employment for young adults with mental health conditions |
| Community Education | Outreach and awareness |
| Youth Advisory Boards | Participation in advisory roles |
| Programmes | Combining job training and mental health services |
| Academic Research | Independent or academic research |
| Nonprofit Initiatives | Programmes and services |
| Policy Initiatives | Youth employment and mental health policy |
What Will YLC Members Do?
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | September 2026 – May 2027 |
| Virtual Meetings | Monthly 90-minute sessions |
| Expert Engagement | Engage with experts on youth employment and mental health |
| Strategy Discussion | Identify priorities and discuss strategies |
| Capstone Project | Develop a group project based on topics discussed |
| National Network | Share work and ideas through MHA's national network |
Application Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | Why are new approaches to employment and work important for youth mental health? |
| Question 2 | What programmes or initiatives have you been involved in or led at the intersection of jobs and youth mental health? |
| Question 3 | What are your future goals for your programme, initiative, and professional work? |
Submission Format:
Written responses: 250–500 words total
Video submissions: No longer than 5 minutes
Format options: Videos, essays, or bullet-point answers
Note: Applications that do not address all three questions will not be considered.
Supporting Evidence
| Evidence | Examples |
|---|---|
| Websites | Personal or programme websites |
| Blogs | Published blog posts |
| News Articles | Media coverage |
| Social Media | Relevant accounts |
| Academic Papers | Research papers |
| Programme Documentation | Official programme materials |
Eligibility and Application Deadline
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–25 |
| Application Deadline | 28 August 2026 |
| Selection Notification | 4 September 2026 |
| Programme Duration | September 2026 – May 2027 |
Important Links
| Description | Official URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | https://mhanational.org/young-leaders-council-2026-2027-application/ |
| Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is the Young Leaders Council? | 9-month leadership programme for ages 18-25 focused on youth mental health, employment, and financial well-being. |
| Q2. How many people are selected? | 5 outstanding young adult leaders. |
| Q3. What is the stipend? | $2,000. |
| Q4. Is conference travel covered? | Yes, travel and lodging are fully covered by MHA. |
| Q5. What are the programme dates? | September 2026 – May 2027. |
| Q6. What is the application deadline? | 28 August 2026. |
| Q7. What format can the application be in? | Videos, essays, or bullet-point answers. |
| Q8. Do I need a formal leadership position? | No, diverse experiences are welcome. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The MHA Young Leaders Council offers an exceptional opportunity for young adults passionate about mental health, employment, and financial well-being. With a $2,000 stipend and fully funded conference travel to Washington, DC, this programme provides both financial support and national visibility.
The focus on employment and financial well-being is particularly relevant as young adults navigate changing labour markets and economic pressures. For those who have already been involved in initiatives connecting employment, financial stability, and mental health, the YLC provides a platform to expand networks and elevate their work nationally.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Young Adults (18-25) | Yes |
| Mental Health Advocates | Yes |
| Youth Employment Leaders | Yes |
| Community Organisers | Yes |
| Students | Yes |
| Recent Graduates | Yes |
| Nonprofit Professionals | Yes |
| Researchers | Yes |
| International Applicants | No (US-based) |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Moderate |
| Application Complexity | Medium |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Value | Excellent |
| Career Growth | High |
| Application Difficulty | Medium |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for MHA Young Leaders Council 2026–2027 before 28 August 2026.
Visit the official MHA application page.
Prepare your responses to all three questions.
Submit your application.
Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates.
