News & Stories
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Impact
Early indicators from the YMHC's first year suggest the model is beginning to make a measurable difference across diverse contexts.
Schools where YMHC members worked reported reductions in behavioral referrals and improved student attendance. Additionally, students began to seek out mental health support proactively—a critical cultural shift that suggests decreased stigma and increased comfort with help-seeking behaviors.
These early outcomes suggest that the YMHC model is not only addressing immediate student needs but also shows promise as a model for creating the systemic changes necessary for long-term impact.
53%
of members are employed
49%
enrolled in further education
57%
of those enrolled pursuing mental health degrees
95%
report contributing to youth mental health
Sheri Kersch Schultz
Schultz Family Foundation co-founder and chair
Where You Can Serve
In its first year in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and Texas, the YMHC deployed 317 Corps members across 172 service sites, serving more than 16,000 young people. Now in its second year, the Youth Mental Health Corps is active in 11 states.
For the 2026-2027 school year, the Youth Mental Health Corps will be active in 18 states, with plans to expand to half the country by the following year.
Certification Pathways
As a Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through one of three certification pathways:
School-based Mental Health Navigator
Members will earn stackable certificates, credentials and/or credits toward a higher education program as they serve in schools, out-of-school-time programs, and community-based youth organizations in communities with limited access to mental health services.
Peer Support / Recovery Specialist
Members who have lived experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use disorder will support peers and near-peers along their recovery journey while getting the training and experience required to earn a peer support/recovery specialist state certification. This pathway is open to people up to age 29.
Community Health Worker
Members will have the opportunity to serve youth and young adults in communities where access to mental health resources is limited, all while receiving the training, support, and experience to earn a community health worker state certification.
Join the Youth Mental Health Corps
Want to make a difference in youth mental health? Ignite change and start your career as a Youth Mental Health Corps member.
Become a Community or State Partner
Learn more about how to become a partner to bring the Youth Mental Health to your community or to sponsor a state-wide Youth Mental Health Corps.