Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Youth Mental Health Corps Expands to 16 States for 2026-2027 School Year
The Youth Mental Health Corps, a national service initiative founded by the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest, announced plans to expand into 16 states for the 2026-2027 school year as the program works to address youth mental health needs and build a behavioral health workforce.
The organization said support from funders, including Ballmer Group, will help expand its near-peer model, which trains young adults to provide mental health support in schools and community settings.
According to Surgo Health, 45% of young people report mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, while 62% of those who have struggled are not receiving the care they need. A 2024 study by Mental Health America found there is one mental health provider for every 340 people nationwide, with 27% of mental health needs in shortage areas being met.
"Young people across America are facing a mental health crisis, and young adults are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution," said Sheri Schultz, co-founder and chair of the Schultz Family Foundation. "The Youth Mental Health Corps puts that idea into action, training and paying young adults to serve as near-peer mental health supporters in schools and communities while giving them credentials, experience, and a clear path into a behavioral health career. The ground breaking results are inspiring. Governors in multiple states are joining us this year showing exactly the kind of innovative political bipartisan leadership this moment demands."
The program launched in 2024 and has trained nearly 1,000 Corps members who have reached more than 44,000 young people and community members, according to the organization. An evaluation by WestEd found schools with YMHC members reported fewer behavioral referrals, improved attendance, and more students seeking mental health support.
The organization said 92% of Corps members are employed or enrolled in higher education within six months of completing service.
"Young people are facing real challenges, online and in the world around them, and too many are doing it without the support they need," said Bill Ready, CEO at Pinterest. "At Pinterest, we believe technology should be positive and inspirational, but we know meaningful support can't stop there. We're proud to support the Youth Mental Health Corps as it expands trusted peer support for young people, including in my home state of Kentucky."
The program currently operates in California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Virginia. Arkansas, Kentucky, Nevada, New Jersey and North Carolina will join for the 2026-2027 school year.
The organization also said 11 states are planning launches in 2027, including Arizona, Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington.
"As a dad of two teenagers who I care about more than anything, the unique challenges that this generation faces are always front of mind," said Andy Beshear. "We're grateful to our partners including Bill Ready, the team at Pinterest, and the Schultz Family Foundation for this support and are committed to reminding every teen across our state that mental health is as important as physical health, they are not alone, and it's important to ask for help when needed."
"Nevada is proud to join this growing initiative to support youth mental health through the Youth Mental Health Corps," said Joe Lombardo. "This program will connect young Nevadans with trusted peer support, strengthen pathways to professional care, and create new opportunities for the next generation of mental health advocates and providers across our state."
"Every young New Mexican deserves someone they can turn to, and every young New Mexican who wants to build a career in behavioral health deserves a straight path to get there," said Michelle Lujan Grisham. "The Youth Mental Health Corps delivers both, and we're proud to be part of it."
The organization also released a white paper titled "A New Architecture for National Service," outlining recommendations for policymakers, funders and state leaders seeking to expand the model. The paper focuses on coordination, financing, workforce development and private sector partnerships based on the program's first two years of operation.
This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
The organization said support from funders, including Ballmer Group, will help expand its near-peer model, which trains young adults to provide mental health support in schools and community settings.
According to Surgo Health, 45% of young people report mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, while 62% of those who have struggled are not receiving the care they need. A 2024 study by Mental Health America found there is one mental health provider for every 340 people nationwide, with 27% of mental health needs in shortage areas being met.
"Young people across America are facing a mental health crisis, and young adults are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution," said Sheri Schultz, co-founder and chair of the Schultz Family Foundation. "The Youth Mental Health Corps puts that idea into action, training and paying young adults to serve as near-peer mental health supporters in schools and communities while giving them credentials, experience, and a clear path into a behavioral health career. The ground breaking results are inspiring. Governors in multiple states are joining us this year showing exactly the kind of innovative political bipartisan leadership this moment demands."
The program launched in 2024 and has trained nearly 1,000 Corps members who have reached more than 44,000 young people and community members, according to the organization. An evaluation by WestEd found schools with YMHC members reported fewer behavioral referrals, improved attendance, and more students seeking mental health support.
The organization said 92% of Corps members are employed or enrolled in higher education within six months of completing service.
"Young people are facing real challenges, online and in the world around them, and too many are doing it without the support they need," said Bill Ready, CEO at Pinterest. "At Pinterest, we believe technology should be positive and inspirational, but we know meaningful support can't stop there. We're proud to support the Youth Mental Health Corps as it expands trusted peer support for young people, including in my home state of Kentucky."
The program currently operates in California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Virginia. Arkansas, Kentucky, Nevada, New Jersey and North Carolina will join for the 2026-2027 school year.
The organization also said 11 states are planning launches in 2027, including Arizona, Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington.
"As a dad of two teenagers who I care about more than anything, the unique challenges that this generation faces are always front of mind," said Andy Beshear. "We're grateful to our partners including Bill Ready, the team at Pinterest, and the Schultz Family Foundation for this support and are committed to reminding every teen across our state that mental health is as important as physical health, they are not alone, and it's important to ask for help when needed."
"Nevada is proud to join this growing initiative to support youth mental health through the Youth Mental Health Corps," said Joe Lombardo. "This program will connect young Nevadans with trusted peer support, strengthen pathways to professional care, and create new opportunities for the next generation of mental health advocates and providers across our state."
"Every young New Mexican deserves someone they can turn to, and every young New Mexican who wants to build a career in behavioral health deserves a straight path to get there," said Michelle Lujan Grisham. "The Youth Mental Health Corps delivers both, and we're proud to be part of it."
The organization also released a white paper titled "A New Architecture for National Service," outlining recommendations for policymakers, funders and state leaders seeking to expand the model. The paper focuses on coordination, financing, workforce development and private sector partnerships based on the program's first two years of operation.
This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
