Stanford Center Youth Collective 2025 – Apply Now to Join the Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing

Applications are now open for the Stanford Center Youth Collective 2025, inviting young people ages 16–25 to join the Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing as youth leaders and advisors. Deadline: November 14, 2025.

The Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing (CYMHW) has launched the Center Youth Collective (CYC) 2025, a unique opportunity for youth aged 16–25 to contribute directly to the design and delivery of innovative, inclusive, and equitable mental health programs. Through this initiative, young people will play a leadership role in shaping how mental health care is developed, understood, and delivered in communities.

The Center Youth Collective is designed to ensure that youth voices are at the heart of every CYMHW project. Members will provide insight, direction, and feedback on the Center’s programs and help advance mental health equity and accessibility for all young people.

About the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing is a leading institution committed to transforming the way mental health services are conceived and delivered. Its mission is to work collaboratively with young people, families, and communities to accelerate the creation, implementation, and evaluation of culturally responsive and youth-centered mental health programs. The Center’s focus areas include increasing equity, expanding access, and amplifying youth voice in the mental health field.

CYMHW leads several major initiatives that reflect its commitment to holistic and inclusive youth wellbeing, including:

• allcove® – an integrated youth mental health service model providing low-barrier, community-based care.

• Media and Mental Health – research and initiatives addressing the relationship between digital media and mental wellbeing.

• School Mental Health – promoting safe, supportive environments for students.

• Early Psychosis – programs supporting early identification and intervention.

• Native American Youth Mental Health – addressing mental health needs through culturally grounded approaches.

The Center Youth Collective (CYC) serves as an advisory group that ensures these programs are guided by youth perspectives and experiences, fostering authentic engagement and impact.

Why Join the Stanford Center Youth Collective

Being part of the Stanford Center Youth Collective 2025 offers more than a seat at the table. Members will gain access to training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities that help them grow as advocates for mental health and wellbeing.

Benefits include:

• Joining a community of youth leaders committed to improving wellbeing for their peers.

• Contributing to the development of innovative, youth-centered mental health services.

• Access to mental health advocacy training and professional skill development.

• Receiving a small stipend for active participation and contributions.

• Opportunities to collaborate with Stanford experts and community partners working on groundbreaking mental health initiatives.

By engaging directly with program staff and researchers, members will help ensure that the Stanford Center’s work remains grounded in the lived experiences of young people from diverse communities.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to youth aged 16–25 years old who are passionate about mental health advocacy, community engagement, and equity. The Center seeks a diverse group of young leaders who reflect the richness of youth experience across race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, ability, and lived experience with mental health challenges.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be between 16 and 25 years of age.

• Able to commit 8–10 hours per month for 12 months.

• Interested in advocacy, mental health awareness, and equity.

• Willing to contribute ideas and participate in ongoing discussions that inform program design.

Selected applicants will be invited to a one-on-one interview with members of the planning committee to further assess their interests and fit for the program.

Application Process

Interested candidates must complete and submit their Center Youth Collective application by November 14, 2025. The process includes a brief questionnaire and demographic section to help the Center understand applicants’ experiences, backgrounds, and motivations.

Applications will be reviewed by a recruitment committee that includes both current and past youth advisory members, as well as staff from the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Successful applicants will be notified of interview details after the initial review.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: November 14, 2025

• Interview Period: November–December 2025

• Program Start: Early 2026

Privacy and Data Policy

The Stanford Center is committed to maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the application and selection process. Personal information provided in the Center Youth Collective application will be securely collected using Qualtrics and stored in Stanford’s encrypted Box system. Only the Youth Development Manager will have access to identifiable data, while the recruitment committee will review de-identified information to ensure fairness and impartiality.

All data will be deleted after the selection process unless an applicant requests to remain on the Center’s volunteer list, in which case only their name and contact information will be retained.

For additional details, please consult the Stanford University Online Privacy Policy.

Contact Information

For inquiries or further information about the Center Youth Collective 2025, please contact:

Ana Lilia Soto
Youth Development Manager
Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (650) 723-2964

More information about the Center’s mission and programs can be found on the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing website.

How to Apply

The Stanford Center Youth Collective 2025 is a powerful opportunity for young people to take part in shaping the future of youth mental health care. By contributing their ideas, experiences, and leadership, participants will play a vital role in advancing equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive wellbeing initiatives.

For more international career and leadership opportunities, visit Opportunities For Youth.

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