A National Response
Young people across the country are experiencing growing mental health challenges, while communities continue to face shortages in access to behavioral health services. The Youth Mental Health Corps is part of a national effort to address these challenges by recruiting, training, and supporting young adults to serve as trusted members of their communities.
Through the Youth Mental Health Corps, AmeriCorps Members in Arkansas support young people in accessing mental health resources, building connections, and developing positive relationships — while gaining valuable experience, training, and career development opportunities.
Arkansas is one of five states joining the Youth Mental Health Corps for the 2026–2027 school year, bringing the national initiative to 16 states.
See the Corps in Action
Why the Youth Mental Health Corps exists
Member spotlight
What Members Do
Members of the Youth Mental Health Corps are individuals ages 18–24 who serve as trusted adults in their school or community, supporting and mentoring students in grades 6–12. Members build positive relationships with young people and provide a consistent source of support, connection, and encouragement.
Members serve part-time on-site alongside school staff, community partners, and other professionals to support youth mental health and well-being through prevention, education, outreach, mentorship, and connection to resources. Members also design and lead group-based programming that promotes positive social behavior and healthy relationships.
What You Receive
$8/hour
Living stipend throughout your service term
$1,565–$3,697
AmeriCorps education award on completion, depending on term length
CHW
Community Health Worker Certification, plus ongoing training
Who Should Apply
This is for you if you’re:
- 18–24 years old on your first day of service
- Passionate about youth and rural communities
- Interested in careers in behavioral health, education, or human services
- Seeking hands-on experience with youth ages 13–18
- Exploring your next step after high school, during a gap year, or early in your career
- Looking for experience through an internship, practicum, or field placement related to mental or behavioral health
Training & Credentials
Throughout their service, Members receive ongoing training, support, and professional development — including the opportunity to earn a Community Health Worker Certification.
Our Goals
01
Meet youth where they are — in schools, afterschool programs, community health centers, and youth-centered organizations.
02
Offer young people interested in addressing the youth mental health crisis an opportunity to provide peer support while earning quality training, skills, experience, and credentials to start a career in behavioral health.
03
Increase the capacity of schools, community-based organizations, health clinics, and behavioral health organizations to respond to the growing youth mental health crisis and support the most vulnerable youth.
Questions
Who can be a Youth Mental Health Corps Member?
You must be 18–24 years old at the start of service and a high school graduate with a diploma or GED. You must also be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, and be able to pass a complete National Service Criminal History check.
What support is available during my service?
Rural Health Corps staff support you throughout the application process and your service. You’ll receive ongoing training, regular check-ins, and support from program staff. You’ll also be part of a national Youth Mental Health Corps cohort, with professional development through Peer Health Exchange and one-on-one career coaching through InsideTrack.
Will I get paid?
Yes. As an AmeriCorps Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll receive a living stipend of $8 per hour for your service. Upon successfully completing your service term, you’ll also be eligible for an AmeriCorps education award of approximately $1,565–$3,697, depending on the length of your term. The education award can be applied toward eligible federal student loans or future education expenses.
How do I apply?
Start with the application form. If you have questions before applying, or your organization is interested in hosting a Corps member, email KatieM@arruralhealth.org.
In Partnership With
Supported By
The Youth Mental Health Corps is a national service initiative founded and funded by the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest, with support from America Forward and national partners including AmeriCorps and America’s Service Commissions.
Ready to Serve?
Applications are open to Arkansans ages 18–24. If your school, clinic, or organization would like to host a Corps member, we’d like to hear from you too.