Mental Health America Launches Young Leaders Council to Tackle Youth Employment and Well-being
Mental Health America has announced the formation of the Young Leaders Council (YLC) for 2026-2027, aimed at addressing mental health challenges faced by young adults in the U.S. The initiative will select five young leaders aged 18-25 to advocate for employment opportunities, financial well-being, and mental health support. This comes in response to the growing concerns over economic stability, education pathways, and the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs. Currently, nearly 12% of U.S. youth are not engaged in education, employment, or training, and 41% of recent college graduates are underemployed. The YLC will focus on creating pathways to employment and integrating mental health support into job-training programs. Participants will engage in monthly virtual meetings, develop a capstone project, and present their work at the Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C. 
