Iowa
One in three Iowa youth report symptoms of depression, and over half the state lives in areas lacking adequate mental health care. The Iowa Youth Mental Health Corps aims to address this crisis by training young adults to support youth in schools and communities.
Partners
Iowa State University, Iowa Public Health AmeriCorps, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC),Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA), Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Centers, and other youth-serving host sites
Program start date
Fall 2026
Application Window
TBD
Career Pathways Available
• School-Based Mental Health Navigator
• Community Health Worker
Program Description
Members will serve in middle and high schools through Communities In Schools (CIS) and work with students at risk of dropping out. Members will be integrated members of the school community and part of the larger CIS support team on each campus. All members will support prevention, assessment, interventions, and referrals for youth mental health using a Positive Youth Development framework.
Certification Pathways
As a Iowa 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 engage in mental health promotion, youth support, and navigation under a two-tiered implementation plan. Year 1 focuses on Tier 1 universal prevention strategies; Year 2 expands to Tier 2 targeted interventions for students with identified needs.
Activities may include:
- Conduct intake and assessments
- Provide resource navigation and peer-led outreach
- Assist in case management and follow-up with youth and families
- Deliver group and individual support services
- Engage in community education on youth mental wellness
Community Health Worker
Members complete Iowa’s CHW certification curriculum, including 42 hours of training and two mental health modules developed during Iowa’s YMHC planning grant. Members may also earn credentials in crisis de-escalation and health education.
Activities may include:
- Deliver school-wide mental health interventions
- Conduct outreach to engage families and promote access to services
- Refer students to higher levels of care as needed
- Develop or deliver curricula and peer-led initiatives
- Serve under the supervision of school counselors or behavioral health professionals
Qualifications
To ensure you are eligible to serve, please review the essential qualifications to participate in the Iowa 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
Member Benefits
While all Youth Mental Health Corps members have access to a variety of professional support, financial, and personal supports, Iowa members will have access to:
Up to 2 years of supervised experience in behavioral health service
Professional certifications and/or college credit
Personalized career coaching and skill development (e.g., communication, resume writing, interviewing)
Enrollment in the ASC Member Assistance Program for mental health support
Funding per member to support training and wraparound services
Training Opportunities
To ensure all members are continuing their training and education, each Iowa program will help their members develop an individualized training plan aligned with their goals.
All Iowa members will receive:
- Youth Mental Health First Aid (via ISU Extension or Iowa HHS)
- Crisis De-escalation Training
- Additional credentialing based on career interests (e.g., RBT, Paraeducator)
- They will earn micro-credentials and certifications while receiving career coaching, mentorship, and workforce exposure in behavioral health, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
School-Based Pathway members will have access to:
- Earn credentials such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Paraeducator certification.
Community Health Worker Pathway members will have access to:
- Members complete Iowa’s CHW certification curriculum, including 42 hours of training and two mental health modules developed during Iowa’s YMHC planning grant.
- CHW Certificate (through Iowa HHS and DMACC)
- Members may also earn credentials in crisis de-escalation and health education.
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.
Interested in Applying?
To learn more about the Iowa Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, [TBD] website.
