YouthWell, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and families with tools to manage their mental wellness, is accepting applications for its Youth Advocacy Board (YAB) Internship for the 2025-26 school year.

The YAB Internship, hosted by YouthWell and supported by Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness, is a leadership program for high school students (grades 9-12) in Santa Barbara County.

The program seeks one to two students from each public and private school, prioritizing diverse representation across culture, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

Through mental health mentorship, leadership training, and community advocacy, YAB members will:
• Gain Mental Health Education
◦ Learn about local resources and how to recognize signs of mental health challenges.
◦ Receive Teen Mental Health First Aid or QPR training and certification.
• Develop Leadership & Advocacy Skills
◦ Strengthen communication, facilitation, and public speaking abilities.
◦ Learn program planning, evaluation, and decision-making.
• Engage in Community & Campus Outreach
◦ Design and implement mental health awareness initiatives.
◦ Bridge gaps between youth, schools, and community resources.
 
The 10-month program runs from August 2025-May 2026, with an orientation in May 2025 and optional intern activities during the summer. Participants commit 8-10 hours per month to YouthWell’s advocacy efforts, including:
 
• Developing and facilitating workshops for students and community members.
• Creating content for YouthWell’s social media and newsletters.
• Speaking at community forums and school events on youth mental health issues.
• Organizing outreach efforts on school campuses and at local events.
• Contributing to YouthWell’s online resource directory to connect families with vital services.
• Interns will participate in two countywide in-person retreats..
 
“YAB was a great experience,” said a member from Santa Maria. “I loved how students could suggest ideas, and the adults truly listened. Meeting in person with everyone made it even better.”

“Thank you so much for this amazing YAB retreat,” a Santa Barbara YAB member said. “I cannot express how grateful I was to not only connect with nature but also passionate leaders as well.”
 
Applications are due by April 4. For more information, email yab@youthwell.org, or learn more and apply online at youthwell.org/youth-advisory-board.