JED National Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition Internship Program
Youth Advocacy Coalition summer 2025 cohort, in front of the U.S. Capitol steps during a JED mental health advocacy day.
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.
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.
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.*
Application Deadline:
- Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST (the system will automatically close at this time)
Read about our 2025 YAC Advocacy Briefing.
Read about our 2024 YAC Interns.