APPLY HERE BY SEPTEMBER 10!
The YMCA North Carolina State Teen Mental Health Advisory Council is launching this fall and applications are now open for teens (rising 9th through 11th graders). Hosted by the YMCA of Greensboro, the Council is dedicated to fostering a supportive community statewide where teens thrive mentally, emotionally and socially.
Grounded in YMCA principles, the Council strives to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and enhance access to vital resources, ensuring every teen can access the support they need.
Teens who are passionate about mental health or dreaming of a career in the mental health field or who just want to make a difference in their community are invited to apply. Teens who may be a future therapist, have a creative mind for social media or have a story to share have an opportunity to learn, build skills, be part of a statewide group of teens leading change across North Carolina.
Council members will:
- Attend and help host mental health and wellness trainings in their community
- Host their own podcast on topics that matter to teens
- Design social media campaigns made by teens, for teens
- Job shadow mental health professionals
- Share their lived experience and help shape YMCA’s statewide work
- Learn how mental health and public policy connect
- Work directly with lawmakers to advocate for real change
- Travel across the state with other passionate teens to promote youth mental health
Teens may apply here by September 10; acceptances will be sent September 15.
Eligibility Information
- Two teens per NC YMCA association will be accepted on the Council with a Y staff advisor commitment.
- Teens must be available to attend virtual meetings 2nd and 3rd Tuesday each month from 5:30-7:30 pm on Microsoft Teams and attend an overnight mandatory orientation in Greensboro October 11-12, 2025.
- There is a $100 per/person membership fee and a $100 fee for orientation; up to two teens from each NC YMCA are eligible with one YMCA staff person. Alliance Teen Mental Health grant funds may be used to cover teen and staff expenses for the Council.