- What is the Student Voice of Mental Health Award?
Each year, The Jed Foundation (JED) honors one high school student and one college student for doing outstanding work to create communities of care in their schools. Student Voice of Mental Health Award recipients are advocates raising mental health awareness by leading thoughtful, impactful initiatives; increasing connection and belonging; encouraging their peers to reach out for help; and building support systems for youth mental health and suicide prevention in their school or campus communities.
Award winners receive:
- A $3,000 cash scholarship
- A trip to New York City to receive the award at JED’s annual gala on June 3, 2026
- Recognition on JED’s website and social media platforms
- Ongoing opportunities to collaborate with JED
- When and where can I apply?
The application window is open from Monday, January 26, to 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, February 20, 2026. Candidates may apply using the “Apply” button on the Student Voice of Mental Health Awards landing page.
- What are the eligibility requirements for each award?
Eligible applicants must be based in the United States, including the District of Columbia. Eligible high school applicants must be currently enrolled juniors or seniors 16 years of age or older. Eligible undergraduate applicants must be currently enrolled sophomores, juniors, or seniors.
See the official 2026 Student Voice of Mental Health Award scholarship rules.
- How long should my video essay be?
Your video essay should be between two and three minutes long. Videos longer than three minutes or shorter than one minute will be disqualified.
- What is the review committee looking for in my video essay?
Tell the review committee what your journey to mental health advocacy looks like, what initiative or initiatives you are currently leading in your school or campus community, and how you see this work impacting the future of youth mental health both for your peer community and beyond.
Keep in mind that the review committee will assess your video submission in the following five categories:
- Impact — the significance and breadth of the applicant’s work, including the potential for both short-term and long-term impact creating meaningful and scalable change.
- Leadership — the applicant’s ability to take initiative, motivate others, collaborate successfully to advance goals, and exhibit other such qualities of an effective leader.
- Video presentation — the applicant’s ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in their video essay through both preparation and delivery.
- Personal connection — how well the applicant conveys their personal story and experiences in a relatable and engaging manner.
- Community building and belonging — the applicant’s dedication to cultivating community and instilling belonging among their peers, and how those values are reflected in their actions and perspectives.
- How long should my personal summary be?
Please ensure that your personal summary is no less than 300 words and no more than 500 words in length.
- What is the review committee looking for in my personal summary?
Your personal summary should support your video essay by describing your journey to mental health advocacy and how your thoughtful, impactful school-focused initiative(s) are raising mental health awareness, increasing connection and belonging, encouraging your peers to reach out for help, and building support systems for youth mental health and suicide prevention in your school or campus community.
- Where do I add the links to my support material?
Please share any publicly available material that speaks to the thoughtful, impactful initiative(s) you are implementing in your school or on your campus by adding links in list format in the same space you submit your personal summary. Examples of such material include but are not limited to: websites, social media accounts, videos, and published articles that represent mental health initiative(s) for which you are responsible.
- I can’t attend the gala. Can I still apply?
No. Scholarship recipients are required to attend JED’s annual gala in New York City on June 3, 2026, unless extenuating medical circumstances prevent them from doing so. JED covers all travel and lodging expenses for scholarship recipients regarding the event.
- I missed the application window. Can I get an extension?
Unfortunately, no. The Student Voice of Mental Health Award application window is open for four weeks, from Monday, January 26, to 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, February 20. We encourage all candidates to submit their application as soon as possible.
- I’m having technical issues when submitting my application. What should I do?
If you experience any technical difficulties while submitting your application, please email studentaward@jedfoundation.org right away and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
- I still need help. Who can I reach out to?
If you have any further questions or need additional support, please email studentaward@jedfoundation.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Get Help Now
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone right now, text, call, or chat 988 for a free confidential conversation with a trained counselor 24/7.
You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741.
If this is a medical emergency or if there is immediate danger of harm, call 911 and explain that you need support for a mental health crisis.