Youth Advocacy Coalition intern Jaden Brown addresses a room of policymakers and advocates during a congressional briefing at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. September 26, 2024.
The Jed Foundation (JED) is now accepting applications for the Summer 2025 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 six-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 present their work at JED’s Annual Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., participate in Advocacy Days on Capitol Hill, and continue their advocacy throughout the 2025–2026 academic year.
Commitment:
- Program Dates: July 28 – September 5 (Virtual, 2 days per week)
- Advocacy Days: September 3 – 4 in Washington, D.C. (In-person, optional)
- Summit Travel: October 14 – 15 in Washington, D.C. (In-person, required)
*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, or junior for the 2025–2026 academic year and be based in the United States including the District of Columbia. Interns must be available to travel to Washington, D.C. October 14-15, 2025 for JED’s annual Policy Summit. *JED will provide travel and lodging for any selected interns residing outside the D.C. area.*
Application Deadline:
- Friday, July 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET
