Join the Teen Mental Health Advisory Council!
Are you a high school student passionate about mental health, creative storytelling, or making a difference in your community? Do you dream of a future in psychology or advocacy? Join the YMCA Teen Mental Health Advisory Council to connect with teens from across North Carolina, create powerful projects, and gain real-world experience alongside professionals and policymakers. It’s the perfect opportunity to make an impact, explore your interests, and earn service-learning hours in a fun and engaging way!
Our mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and expand access to mental health resources for teens.
Major Activities Include
- Participate in and host mental health and wellness trainings in your community
- Job shadowing with mental health professionals in your community, expanding your knowledge of mental health career options
- Meet your local elected officials and speak at city council, school board, and county commissioners’ meetings on expanding access to mental health resources for teens and eradicating the stigma of mental health
- Leadership retreats, including our in-person orientation in Greensboro, NC at YMCA Camp Weaver
- Create impactful social media campaigns and host our Teen Mental Health Podcast
- 80 service learning hours
Program Details
Meets: Please note that we are currently accepting applications for Guilford, Rockingham, Forsyth, and New Hanover Counties only.
This program meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
The 1st Tuesday meeting will be held in person at your local YMCA branch.
The 3rd Tuesday meeting will be held virtually.
Dates: October 2026 – April 2027
Eligibility: NC students entering grades 9–11
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026
Membership Fee: $100 upon acceptance (Your Local Association or branch may cover the cost of your membership)
Please note that there is also a $100 orientation fee for the mandatory in-person orientation in Greensboro, NC on Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The membership and orientation fee total is $200.
Teen Mental Health Advisory Council Application Link
Teen Mental Health Advisory Council Registration Link
The YMCA Teen Mental Health Advisory Council is a statewide program designed to elevate the voices of young people in shaping the future of mental health in North Carolina. If selected, you will serve as a representative of youth in your community, working alongside a diverse team of teens from across the state.
This is a highly competitive opportunity that demands commitment, responsibility, and a genuine passion for advocacy. Participation requires consistent effort, active engagement, and a readiness to lead with purpose and integrity. Teens interested must apply before September 11, 2026. Join us and be a part of this impactful initiative to create meaningful change in your community!
For questions, contact Eric Graves or call (336) 272-2131.
October 2026
- October 6, 2026 – 1st Tuesday (IN PERSON)
- October 20, 2026 – 3rd Tuesday (VIRTUAL)
November 2026
- November 3, 2026 – 1st Tuesday (In Person)
- November 17, 2026 – 3rd Tuesday (VIRTUAL)
December 2026
- December 1, 2026 – 1st Tuesday (IN PERSON)
- December 15, 2026 – 3rd Tuesday (VIRTUAL)
January 2027
- January 5, 2027 – 1st Tuesday (IN PERSON)
- January 19, 2027 – 3rd Tuesday (VIRTUAL)
February 2027
- February 2, 2027 – 1st Tuesday (IN PERSON)
- February 16, 2027 – 3rd Tuesday (VIRTUAL)
March 2027
- March 2, 2027 – 1st Tuesday (IN PERSON)
- March 16, 2027 – 3rd Tuesday (VIRTUAL)
April 2027
- April 6, 2027 – 1st Tuesday (IN PERSON)
- April 20, 2027 – 3rd Tuesday (VIRTUAL)