Minnesota

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.

Apply with Recover Corps

Apply with MN Alliance with Youth

Regions

Central, Metro, Northeast, Southeast Minnesota

Program start date

Fall 2026

Application Window

TBD

Career Pathways Available

• School-Based Navigator
• Recovery Specialist

Program Description

Through Minnesota’s Youth Mental Health Corps, you can explore career pathways into behavioral health, all while serving in schools and community organizations to boost Minnesota’s youth mental health strategy.

Certification Pathways

As a Minnesota Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through two certification pathways:

School-Based Navigator

Members in the school-based pathway will serve in schools and community organizations to support the mental health and wellness of youth.

Through working with 6th - 12th grade students 1:1 and in small groups they will reduce school dropout and improve attendance. They will also manage a caseload of 30 students for a minimum of 12 weeks to provide student-centered support.

Recovery Specialist

Members in the Recovery Specialist Pathway will serve in community organizations and local clinics.

They will offer peer support, mentoring, and resource navigation for individuals in their recovery journey.

“I joined the Youth Mental Health Corps because I was able to take all the education I had compiled for myself on recovery and all of the experiences, good and bad, and turn it into a set of tools that I could bring to other people.”

Adam Birkenstock

Minnesota Member

Essential qualifications to participate in the Minnesota Youth Mental Health Corps

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Must be 18 - 24 at start of service for School-Based Pathway

Must be 18 - 29 years old at start of service for Recovery Specialist Pathway with direct or indirect experience with substance use disorders

Must have a High School Diploma or recognized equivalent

Must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident

Unfortunately, individuals who have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) through the US Department of Homeland Security are not eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member at this time

Member Benefits

While all Youth Mental Health Corps members have access to a variety of professional support, financial, and personal supports, Minnesota members will have access to:

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Training Opportunities

To ensure all members are continuing their training and education, Minnesota members can participate in training tailored to their pathway.

School-Based Pathway members will have access to:

Receive training in areas such as Boundaries and Mandated Reporting, Motivational Interviewing, and Cultural Competency & Cultural Humility
Earn certifications such as Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, Narcan Administration, and General First Aid and CPR

Recovery Specialist Pathway members will have access to:

Receive training on relationship building, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and recovery resource navigation
Earn a Peer Recovery Specialist (CRPS) Certification

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.

Explore How We Support Members

Catalyzing Change Through Local Community Action

Minnesota has prioritized student-centered design in state education policy, positioning young people as co-creators of the systems that shape their learning and well-being. This model values students not only as recipients of services but also as agents of change capable of influencing statewide priorities including wellness, and engagement.

Read the Case Study

Interested in Applying?

To learn more about the Minnesota’s Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, visit Recovery Corps and MN Alliance with Youth.

Apply with Recover Corp

Apply with MN Alliance with Youth