More Than Awareness: Supporting Youth Mental Health Through Action

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that one’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Yet for many Americans–especially young people–access to and support from mental health services remains limited. Shortages in the mental health workforce, societal stigma, and financial barriers continue to prevent young people across America from accessing the support and care that they need.

According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 29%, or nearly one in three, of high school students in the United States reported experiencing poor mental health, including 28.2% in Arkansas. During Mental Health Awareness Month, these statistics serve as a stark reminder that bringing awareness to an issue is not enough—communities and young people must also be invested in real and accessible support systems.

One such initiative working to meet this challenge is the Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC), a partnership between the Youth Mental Health Corps Collaborative–encompassing the Schultz Family Foundation, Pinterest, and ImpactAssets, AmeriCorps, America’s Service Commissions, and State Service Commissions nationwide. YMHC is designed to address both the youth mental health crisis and the growing shortage of behavioral health professionals.

“Last fall, Engage Arkansas  brought together leaders from across Arkansas to talk about youth mental health, and the message was clear: our young people need more support, and our communities need more people ready to step in.” Starr Crow, Executive Director of Engage Arkansas, the Arkansas AmeriCorps State Service Commission.

YMHC participants are 18-24-year-olds and serve as AmeriCorps Volunteers in schools, after-school programs, and community health clinics, receiving essential training in Youth Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed care, communication & engagement techniques, and confidentiality, boundaries, & ethics before stepping into their role as mental health navigators supporting 13-18 year-olds. While these Volunteers are not intended to replace licensed therapists or counselors, they serve as trusted near-peers who connect young people to mental health resources.

The Youth Mental Health Corps will launch in Arkansas in August 2026, representing a major step forward in expanding youth mental health support and service opportunities for those interested in exploring a career in behavioral health. This launch will create new opportunities for young adults to directly support teens from middle school through high school. 

This initial launch is supported by a $500,000, 30-month investment from the Youth Mental Health Corps Collaborative, helping establish Arkansas’s program as it builds toward long-term sustainability and statewide scale.

Certifications Pathways & Durable Skills

What makes the YMHC’s work particularly impactful is its combination of community service with professional skills and experience. YMHC Volunteers receive a living allowance, state-recognized certifications, career coaching, and peer support, all while growing skills and social capital in their communities. After completing the service year, they walk away with the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which many YMHC participants nationwide have used to further their behavioral health education. 

• Year 1: Community Health Worker – Serves as a bridge between health/social service systems and the community; often focuses on outreach, education, advocacy, helping individuals navigate health services, addressing social determinants of health, promoting health equity, and working in underserved communities.
• Year 2: Mental Health Technician – Works under the supervision of clinicians to provide direct support to clients with mental health issues, often in inpatient or outpatient behavioral health settings.
• Year 3: Qualified Behavioral Health Provider – A paraprofessional in the behavioral health field who provides behavioral support services under the supervision of a licensed clinician

Through these certifications and hands-on experiences, Volunteers develop strong, durable, career-ready skills in communication, leadership, crisis response, outreach, teamwork, and community engagement, preparing them for future careers in mental health and public service.

Recruitment: YMHC Volunteers & Partners

With these training pathways and career opportunities in place, volunteer recruitment is already underway for the August 2026 launch. Those interested in learning more about this service opportunity can complete the Arkansas Youth Mental Health Corps Interest Form to connect with one of Arkansas YMHC’s host programs, which include:

• Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, serving youth in the Delta
• University of Arkansas Fort Smith, serving youth in the River Valley
• Arkansas United, serving in the Northwest with select rural regions statewide

In Arkansas, YMHC Volunteers have the opportunity to earn progressive, state-recognized certifications through continued service, thanks to partnerships with the Arkansas Rural Health Academy, led by the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership and Arkansas Technical University Ozark–which offers stackable credentials that lead to an Associate’s degree.

Thanks to these state partners, and many others, Arkansas is building a coordinated, statewide approach to developing the next generation of behavioral health professionals.

Why This Matters for Arkansas’s Youth

The work of the Youth Mental Health Corps demonstrates the evolving role of national service in addressing some of America’s most pressing challenges. With youth mental health needs continuing to rise, the launch of YMHC in Arkansas represents a timely opportunity to move from awareness to action.

As communities seek solutions, service-based models like YMHC offer an approach grounded in local relationships, prevention, and direct engagement. They also demonstrate how intentional investments in people and partnerships can strengthen support systems for young people.

Mental Health Awareness Month should not simply be about conversation—it should also be about recognizing and supporting the individuals and organizations actively building stronger systems of care every day.

Get Involved with the Youth Mental Health Corps in Arkansas

As Arkansas prepares to launch the Youth Mental Health Corps in August 2026, there are several ways individuals and organizations can get involved:

Whether you are a young adult exploring a career path, an educator or community organization seeking additional support, or a partner interested in advancing youth well-being, YMHC offers a meaningful way to take action.

• Apply to Serve – Young adults ages 18–24 can become YMHC Volunteers and make a direct impact while gaining valuable career experience.
• Become a Host Site – Schools, after-school programs, and community-based organizations can partner to host Volunteers and expand youth mental health support.
• Partner with Us – Organizations, agencies, and community leaders can help strengthen and scale this initiative across the state.

To learn more, explore opportunities, and stay updated on application timelines, visit:
EngageArkansas.org/Youth-Mental-Health-Corps-Arkansas

This article is part of the Engage Arkansas 2026 Civic Challenge. The Civic Challenge focuses on one vital impact area affecting Arkansans statewide each month. In May, Engage Arkansas highlighted the importance of Service to Career Pathways. To learn more about Engage Arkansas, visit EngageArkansas.org. 

Axton Tackett & Starr Crow, May 2026