Greater Cincinnati Youth Mental Health Corps

The Greater Cincinnati Youth Mental Health Corps will engage 24 AmeriCorps members to improve youth mental health across Southwest Ohio. Members will serve in schools, community-based organizations, and nonprofits, supporting youth ages 12¿24 through behavioral health education, resource navigation, and peer support. Guided by trained supervisors and certified professionals, members will provide prevention programming, connect youth to mental health resources, and reduce stigma by fostering peer-led support networks.

Over the first year, members will directly impact at least 1,500 youth, with 1,000 demonstrating increased knowledge of mental health resources and 750 reporting improved access to care. Members will also mobilize 300 volunteers using the IPARD (Investigation, Planning, Action, Reflection, Demonstration) service-learning model to design and lead youth-centered community projects. All members will receive training toward Ohio¿s Certified Youth Peer Supporter credential, expanding the state¿s peer support workforce by 80%. The Corps also invests in member development. Biweekly learning days will provide professional training in Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed care, and career exploration in behavioral health. This structure addresses two critical needs: supporting youth in crisis today and building tomorrow¿s behavioral health workforce.

By leveraging a strong network of 500+ community partners, including Hopeful Empowered Youth, NAMI, and local schools, the program aims to create sustainable improvements in youth mental health outcomes, reduce barriers to care, and inspire a new generation of behavioral health professionals.