The Jed Foundation (JED) is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Texas Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition (YAC) Fellowship. YAC brings together young mental health advocates in a brave space to drive change through education, policy advocacy, media, and storytelling. This ten-week hybrid, paid fellowship trains undergraduate students in mental health advocacy and community outreach.

Compensation

to develop and launch their own strategic advocacy plans. Fellows will participate in Advocacy Days on Capitol Hill and continue their advocacy throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. M.

M. CT. Register for the webinar here .

PLEASE USE THE PERSONAL SUMMARY SECTION OF THIS APPLICATION TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING: Submit two short essays between 300-400 words in length each, responding to the following prompts: Prompt 1: “Why are you interested in joining the Youth Advocacy Coalition? ” As you prepare your response to Prompt 1, we encourage you to share how you think critically, collaborate with others, and draw from your own experiences, passions, and perspectives. S.

Prompt 2: “Do you think artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to support youth mental health? Why or why not? ” As you prepare your response to Prompt 2, we encourage you to reflect on how artificial intelligence may be shaping youth mental health.

The review committee is especially interested in hearing your unique perspectives and experiences, as well as your thoughts on how emerging technologies can be used in ways that are both safe and supportive for young people. , or within Texas for advocacy engagement opportunities. JED will provide travel and lodging for all selected fellows for these specific opportunities.

Requirements

: Fellows must be permanent residents of Texas and actively enrolled as an undergraduate student in a Texas-based college or university for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Texas Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition Fellowship (Fall 2026)