Colorado
Make a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of youth and young adults while exploring a career in behavioral health. Receive training during your service that will prepare you to work with peers and earn industry recognized certificates.
Regions
Statewide
Program start date
Fall 2026
Application Window
TBD
Career Pathways Available
• School-Based Mental Health Navigator
• Community Health Worker
Program Description
Through its school-based and community health worker pathways, Colorado’s Youth Mental Health Corps AmeriCorps members will provide youth mental health support and increase workforce opportunities in the behavioral health space for young adults with lived experience.
Certification Pathways
As a Colorado Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through two certification pathways:
School-Based Mental Health Navigator
Members in the school-based pathway will serve in high-need K-12 schools as a mental health navigator. This pathway is a stackable certification and higher education credit pathway.
Activities may include:
- Referring students to resources
- Communication with stakeholders
- Identifying barriers to mental health services
- Engaging families
- Developing action plans for mental health trends in schools
Community Health Worker
Members in the community health worker pathway will serve as a community mental health navigator to connect with youth in local community-based organizations. This pathway includes a state certification.
Activities may include:
- Coordinating mental health care
- Assisting with navigating services
- Providing case management and cultural mediation
- Offering mental health education
- Evaluating program curriculum
- Maintaining records of youth served
Berkeley Wall
Colorado Member
Qualifications
To ensure you are eligible to serve, please review the essential qualifications to participate in the Colorado Youth Mental Health Corps.
Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or Lawful Permanent Resident
Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply
Member Benefits
While all Youth Mental Health Corps members have access to a variety of professional support, financial, and personal supports, Colorado members will have access to:
Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.
Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.
Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.
Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.
Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.
Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.
Training Opportunities
To ensure all members are continuing their training and education, Colorado members can participate in training tailored to their pathway.
School-Based Pathway members will have access to:
- Members receive recognized work-based training to earn certifications. Partnering with the Colorado Community College System, this pathway offers in-person and online microcredential training.
- This leads to an Associate of Applied Science, with plans for a Bachelor of Applied Science.
Community Health Worker Pathway members will have access to:
- Members can earn a community health worker state certification by building on Colorado's existing U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program.
- This expansion aims to develop a skilled, culturally competent workforce to address mental health needs in communities with limited access to services.
Member Engagement & Support
We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment where members can connect, learn, and grow.
Our aim is to equip you with the tools, skills, and experiences necessary to overcome challenges during your service and thrive in your future career.
Building a Model of Student-Centered Support
By creating a safe space at school and building a reputation among students as a trusted near-peer who is there to help, YMHC members serve the needs of students in crisis and students who can benefit from an adult to listen to their frustrations or offer kind words.
Interested in Applying?
To learn more about the Colorado Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, visit Serve Colorado's website.
