Starting in August and September, 50 young Minnesotans will be able to support mental health through AmeriCorps!
Recovery Corps and Minnesota Alliance with Youth will offer AmeriCorps positions serving schools and communities with a focus on mental health. The Minnesotans in these positions will receive training and professional support to help them pursue careers in behavioral health.
These positions are part of a national initiative called the Youth Mental Health Corps led by the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest. Its goal is to address to the state of youth mental health right now, which is grim:
- 1 in 3 high school students and half of female students report persistent feelings of hopelessness.
- There has been a 62% increase in suicide rates in the last 15 years in the U.S. for youth between 10-24.
- The second leading cause of death among children ages 10-14 is suicide.
In addition to addressing the concerning reality of youth mental health, the Youth Mental Health Corps initiative also aims to give young adults a pathway to become much-needed mental health professionals. In Minnesota, applications are now open for the AmeriCorps positions below, both of which are part of the Youth Mental Health Corps initiative.
- Recovery Navigator – Youth Mental Health | Applicants must be 18-29
Recovery Navigators will support people who are recovering from substance use disorders at community organizations, treatment centers, educational institutions, or governmental organizations. All Recovery Navigators receive free substance use recovery coach academy training to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.
- Promise Fellows – Youth Mental Health Fellows | Applicants must be 18-24
Through Minnesota Alliance with Youth, Youth Mental Health Follows will serve students in grades 6-12 who need support to stay engaged at school. Their focus will be on helping students and their families navigate mental health resources. Youth Mental Health Fellows will also receive training and certifications such as Youth Mental Health First Aid, General First Aid, and continued Motivational Interviewing skills. - All members in these positions will have access to a series of seminars sharing information about how to pursue a career in behavioral mental health.
Interested in serving with AmeriCorps in other programs? Check out our full list of programs. If you’ve got questions, reach out to our recruitment team.
