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ABOUT THE PROGRAM
At MENTOR Minnesota, we know how much it matters for young people to have steady, caring adults in their corner; especially when they’re facing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
With nearly one‑third of Minnesota students reporting long‑term mental health concerns, the need for strong support has never been clearer.
To meet this moment, MENTOR Minnesota and the University of Minnesota created a no‑cost, 8‑session program that helps mentors, program leaders, and youth‑serving staff build confidence and practical skills to support youth mental well‑being.
MHA impact & success has been powerful so far:
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100% youth retention
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83.3% adult retention
We’re excited to keep expanding this hybrid program with partners across Minnesota and grow a network of Ambassadors reaching every corner of the state. We’d love for YOU to be part of this growing community of leaders strengthening mental health support across Minnesota.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
The Mental Health Ambassadors Program is youth‑led at its core, giving young people ages 14–18 real agency to learn, lead, and strengthen mental well‑being in their own communities.
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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.
Why participate?
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Youth consistently share the MHA program changes how they see themselves and how they show up for one another.
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“I learned that we all have something going on with our mental health and that we all want to help out in a way.”
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“I wish they talked more in school about the things I learned in the MHA program.”
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“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 making 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.”
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Adults feel the impact too:
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“The youth‑led aspect is so powerful. I walked away feeling like I can make a difference.”
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“The scenarios were incredibly helpful for practicing conversations that can feel scary.”
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“Youth Mental Health First Aid was most valuable, and the ACES training was eye‑opening.”
Dr. Lindsey Weiler says it best:
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“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.”
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Throughout this 8-session program, participants will work side-by-side with peers and a supportive network, including the MENTOR Minnesota team, to amplify and uplift mental health resources and best practices.
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Collaborative Learning
Join a supportive cohort of youth and adults who learn with and from one another as part of the Mental Health Ambassador program. Each session strengthens shared knowledge, practical skills, and a collective toolkit for supporting mental well‑being in your community. This isn’t just information. It’s hands‑on, community‑rooted learning that builds confidence, compassion, and the ability to make a meaningful impact
together!
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Hands-On Training
Each session explores a real‑world topic designed to strengthen your confidence, leadership, and ability to support your community. You’ll gain practical skills, relatable tools, and a network of peers and adults committed to youth well‑being.
Session topics include:
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Youth & Teen Mental Health First Aid – Recognize when a friend might be struggling and learn how to show up with care.
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Local Resources & Referrals – Understand who’s in your corner and how to help others get connected.
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Suicide Prevention – Build awareness, strengthen protective skills, and learn how to support someone in tough moments.
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Empowering Youth Voice (for adults) – Adults practice listening, partnering, and uplifting youth leadership.
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Advocacy Project – Collaborate on a project that creates real change in your school or community.
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Creating Change-Makers
Graduates will step forward as Mental Health Ambassadors* youth‑centered leaders who know how to listen, connect, and take meaningful action. They’ll return to their schools and communities with practical tools and real‑world strategies to support peers in grounded, authentic ways. Ambassadors learn to lead with humility, challenge stigma through everyday actions, and help friends find the resources they need in the moments that matter most.
Program leaders gain trained partners who strengthen their teams, deepen trust with youth, and help build a community where mental health support is accessible, responsive, and rooted in care.
*Mental Health Ambassadors are not mental health service providers. They are skilled connectors who help link individuals to appropriate resources. If you are in need of immediate mental health services, please contact 911.
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.