Mental Health Ambassadors | MENTOR Minnesota

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

At MENTOR Minnesota, we know that strong relationships can make a lasting difference in young people’s mental health and well-being.

With nearly 1/3 of Minnesota students reporting long‑term mental health concerns, the need for strong support has never been clearer.

To meet this need, MENTOR Minnesota and the University of Minnesota created the Mental Health Ambassador program (MHA): A youth-led, no‑cost, 8‑session program that brings together youth, mentors, program leaders, and other youth-serving professionals to build practical skills and confidence in supporting youth mental health.

MHA impact & success have been powerful so far. Youth have self-reported:

High sense of belonging with peers (78.7%)
Learning helpful information and skills (94.6%)

We’re excited to continue expanding this program across Minnesota and growing a statewide network of Ambassadors dedicated to strengthening mental health support for young people. We’d love for you to be part of this community.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

The Mental Health Ambassadors Program is youth‑led at its core, giving young people (ages 14–18) and trusted adults agency to learn, lead, and strengthen mental well‑being in their own communities.

It’s a space where youth can use their voices, build meaningful connections, and take the lead with supportive adults serving as bridges, guides, and partners along the way.

The MHA program is open to any mentoring or youth‑serving group, and brings youth and adults together to build confidence, shared language, and practical tools for supporting mental well‑being.

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WHY THIS PROGRAM?

Youth consistently share that the MHA program changes how they see themselves and how they show up for one another.

“I learned that we all have something going on with our mental health and that we all want to help out in a way.”
"It also… I feel… kind of took away from some of the stigma around mental health. Just, a lot of people don't talk about it, and learning and talking about it was a really good experience.”
“I wish they talked more in school about the things I learned in the MHA program.”

Adults feel the impact too:

“The youth‑led aspect is so powerful. I walked away feeling like I can make a difference.”
“The scenarios were incredibly helpful for practicing conversations that can feel scary.”
“Youth Mental Health First Aid was most valuable, and the ACES training was eye‑opening.”

Dr. Lindsey Weiler says it best:

“You have the power to lead change in mental health. Your voice matters, and this program helps you use it to make a real difference.”

“It was something outside of school that developed me and is preparing me for college and applications and stuff, but also obviously giving back to my community. It's easy to do work and research and whatever, but it's not always easy to have something to show for it. And so I think having the brochure and having the video and having things that we can actually share out and like give back, it goes beyond me, which is really important to me.”

- Youth Participant

"As a former middle school teacher & MHA program director, I truly believe in the power of this program to

empower youth to be mental health advocates AND increase access to mental health supportwithin communities. I'm inspired by the youth &adults that participate in this program- they lead with empathy, love, and compassion for one another and have the desire to make

an impact in the lives of others and their mental health."

- Eric Pothen, Program Director, MENTOR MN

Interested in participating?

Please fill out an interest form, and we'll contact you with information about getting connected!

MHA Eligibility Form

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Throughout this 8-session program, youth and adults team up with expert youth facilitators to learn, lead, and create real change.

Hands-on Training

Join an inspiring community of youth and adults working side by side to make a difference, share ideas, and build meaningful connections.

Each session explores a real‑world topic designed to strengthen your confidence, leadership, and ability to support your community through practical and relatable skills.

Session topics include:

Mental Health First Aid – Recognize when someone is struggling and learn how to show up with care.
Resources & Referrals – Understand who’s in your corner and how to help others get connected to local and national mental health resources.
Suicide Prevention – Build awareness, strengthen protective skills, and learn how to support someone in tough moments.
Empowering Youth Voice – Practice listening, partnering, and uplifting youth leadership.
Advocacy Project – Collaborate on a project that creates real change in your school or community.

Creating A Lasting Impact

Youth put their passion into action through the Advocacy Project. Students work to determine and address the mental health needs of youth in their community.

Examples from previous cohorts include:

A mental health resource library open to all students.

A positive affirmation station at school for students to write encouraging notes to their peers.

Creation of mental health resource flyers for bathroom stalls.

A digital character named Empathy is used to show students how to take care of their physical and mental health

*Mental Health Ambassadors are not professional mental health service providers. If you are in need of immediate mental health services, please contact 911.

Have a question(s)? Send us an email HERE

This collaboration leverages the coaching and mentoring expertise of MENTOR Minnesota and the clinical and academic resources of Dr. Lindsey Weiler and her team at the University of Minnesota to address the critical youth mental health needs in our communities. Together, we are committed to promoting mental well-being, advancing research, and creating innovative solutions.