Mental Health Ambassador Program
Youth Voices
Youth Voice: Mental Health Ambassadors
Where awareness meets leadership.
YouthVoice is a youth-led Mental Health Ambassador program by Bridges from Borders (BFB) that equips young people with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to become mental health advocates and changemakers in their schools and communities. This program is open to all youth, but it is especially designed to uplift and empower youth who have lived experience within immigrant and refugee communities. We believe these young people bring unique perspectives, strengths, and insights to the conversation around mental health, belonging, and leadership.
ELIGIBILITY
The YouthVoice: Mental Health Ambassadors program is open to:
- High school students (Grades 8–12) and college students up to age 20 in the Western New York region
- Middle school students (Grades 6–7) will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Students from bi-cultural or immigrant family backgrounds, or those with a strong interest in multicultural and mental health issues
We are looking for youth who demonstrate:
- A commitment to participate for a full academic year (2 semesters)
- Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
- Respect for diversity and the ability to work well with others
- A high level of maturity, responsibility, and empathy
- Motivation to create change and contribute to conversations around mental health and well-being
TIMELINE OF PROGRAM
1. Application & Orientation
Eligible students must submit an application with parent or guardian consent in order to be considered for the program. This ensures a shared understanding and family support throughout the youth’s journey as a Mental Health Ambassador (MHA).
Selected applicants will begin with a mandatory online orientation session, which introduces the program’s mission, goals, expectations, and the support systems available to help them succeed. This orientation is a key step in building trust, clarity, and community from the start.
2. Training & Skill Development
Ambassadors will participate in a
series of interactive online training sessions focused on youth mental health, ethical practices, peer support, and community leadership. These sessions are designed to build confidence and equip youth with tools for advocacy and impact.
Following the core training, outstanding Ambassadors may be nominated to serve as facilitators or fellows in the Healing Yourself, Healing the Community youth workshop series, in partnership with CACF. Over five sessions, participants engage in meaningful activities to support mental health, foster racial healing, and promote equity.
3. “Talk and Listen” Assignment
Each Ambassador will complete the
“Talk and Listen” assignment—a reflective storytelling exercise that builds empathy, self-awareness, and connection through personal narrative and active listening.
4. Project Exploration & Initiative Development
MHAs will have two pathways to make a community impact:
- Join an existing BFB Youth Empowerment Project, such as #MyStory, #OneWorld, #Hidden716 etc.
- Propose a new initiative through BFB’s Youth Empowerment New Initiative Process, which allows youth to identify a local issue they care about, develop a solution, and implement it with support from BFB mentors and staff.
(Note: Due to current resource limitations, this option will be temporarily paused during the 2025–2026 school year. Please stay tuned for updates.)
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
By joining the YouthVoice MHA program, you will:
- Complete a minimum of 40 volunteer hours and earn an official Mental Health Ambassador Certificate from Bridges from Borders
- Be eligible to receive funding for a youth-led initiative if your project creates measurable community impact
- Gain confidence and skills in discussing mental health and wellness with your peers and community
- Build leadership experience through participation in—or the creation of—community-wide programs and campaigns
- Strengthen your public speaking and storytelling abilities in a supportive environment
- Join a diverse and inspiring network of like-minded youth with shared values and varied life experiences
- Receive professional references and real-world experience that will strengthen your college and scholarship applications
TRAINING TOPICS
Mandated Topics:
- Introduction and Supporting Resources.
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity with a focus on intersectionality.
- Communication skills and Assertiveness.
- Healthy Relationships.
- Assignment: Talk and Listen
Some optional Topics:
- Managing Screen Time.
- Stress Management and Resiliency.
- Depression and Anxiety Reduction strategies.
- Eating Disorders.
- Healthy Self-Esteem.
- Mind and Body Balance.
