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Youth Committee on Mental Health

Supporting Youth to Champion Mental Health in NYC

Purpose

The Youth Committee on Mental Health is a platform for youth ages 16 to 24 to advise the NYC Health Department on how to support the mental health and well-being of NYC youth.

The committee is a youth-led initiative, supported by the City University of New York, dedicated to empowering young people from across NYC to take the lead in ensuring that the voices of youth are heard in the decision-making processes, policies, and initiatives promoting youth mental health. Comprised entirely of youth members, this committee focuses on leadership development, research, data collection, and collaboration.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Committee members contribute to projects that raise awareness about existing mental health resources, promote accessibility, and guide government in making informed decisions that affect youth. This initiative is a partnership between the youth members and adult allies from the NYC Health Department.

Note: Applications are closed for 2026 to 2027. Applications for 2027 to 2028 will be open in Summer 2027.

Goals

  • Advocacy: Promote mental health awareness and accessibility among NYC youth.
  • Leadership: Develop leadership skills through participation in decision-making processes.
  • Education: Educate peers about existing mental health resources and policies.
  • Inclusivity: Ensure diverse representation and inclusivity within the committee.
  • Data Collection: Gather and analyze data to inform the committee's initiatives and assess their impact.

Key Activities

  • Weekly Meetings (September 2026 to May 2027): Discuss and plan various youth mental health projects.
  • Action Plans: Implement strategies for addressing mental health needs of youth in NYC.
  • Partnership: Partner with other youth leadership groups in NYC.
  • Evaluation: Assess the impact of initiatives regularly.

Benefits of Joining

  • Voice: Share opinions, gather data and participate in decision-making.
  • Leadership: Gain experience and skills.
  • Networking: Connect with peers and professionals.
  • Impact: Be a contributing member of society by educating and advocating.
  • Compensation: Receive a stipend of up to $375 per quarter for your commitment.