Job Description

Summer 2026 National Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition Internship

Application Deadline: 10 April 2026

Department: 02. Policy, Advocacy, & Government Relations

Employment Type: Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.

Reporting To: Director of Policy

Compensation: $17.00 / hour

The Jed Foundation (JED) is now accepting applications for the summer 2026 cohort of the National Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition (YAC) Internship.

YAC brings together young mental health advocates in a brave space to drive change through education, policy advocacy, media, and storytelling.

This eight-week hybrid, paid internship trains undergraduate students in mental health advocacy and community outreach. Interns receive a structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and paid compensation to develop and launch their own strategic advocacy plans.

Interns will participate in Advocacy Days on Capitol Hill and continue their advocacy throughout the 2026-2027 academic year.

Personal Summary/Write-Up Submission Requirement

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?
• "What mental health advocacy efforts, policy initiatives, or projects do you hope to pursue through this program?”

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. We are especially interested in how you hope to uniquely contribute to efforts that support youth mental health and help prevent suicide across the U.S.
Prompt 2:

• “Do you think artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to support youth mental health? Why or why not? If yes, what rules or safeguards should be in place?”

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.

Commitment

• Program Dates: June 1 - July 24, 2026 (virtual)
  • Must be available 16 hours per week, including virtual participation in meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. EST.
• Advocacy Days: July 20 - 23, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (in-person)
  • JED will provide travel and lodging for any selected interns residing outside the D.C. area.

Application Timeline

What should you expect?

• Applications OPEN: Monday, March 23, 2026
• Applications CLOSE: Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST
• Applicants will be notified: May 2026
• Eligibility: Interns must be enrolled in a college or university as a rising freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior for the 2026-2027 academic year and be based in the United States, including the District of Columbia. Interns must be available to travel to Washington, D.C., July 20-23, 2026. *JED will provide travel and lodging for any selected interns residing outside the D.C. area.*

Pay will be $17/hr or your state’s minimum wage, whichever is higher 💸.