YMHC volunteers serve as mental health school navigators. They are not clinical providers, but trusted connectors who help youth feel supported and connected to resources.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County, AmeriCorps YMHC volunteers may:

• Check in with youth one-on-one or in small groups

• Support social-emotional learning and wellness activities

• Help youth and families navigate community resources

• Promote healthy coping skills, resilience, and digital well-being

Applicants must:

• Be 18–24 years old

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Pass state and federal background checks

• Be a U.S. citizen, or have a legal working status

This opportunity is especially meaningful for young adults interested in careers such as counseling, social work, education, public health, or youth development.

Yes. YMHC volunteers receive: 

• A living allowance during their service term

• The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion

• Access to the AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program

• Eligibility for federal student loan deferment and interest forbearance

• Professional development, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities

All volunteers receive comprehensive training to prepare them for their service role, including:

• Mental Health First Aid

• Youth support in educational and community settings

• Trauma-informed and prevention-focused practices

• Ongoing coaching, supervision, and cohort-based learning

These trainings provide recognized, stackable credentials that support future employment or education in behavioral health fields.

YMHC focuses on prevention, connection, and early support. Members help youth build resilience, recognize when they need help, and connect to trusted adults and community resources. This early intervention model helps reduce barriers to care and ensures youth don’t face challenges alone.

YMHC offers flexible service options within a 5-month term:

• 300 hours (~15 hours/week)

• 450 hours (~23 hours/week)

This flexibility allows young adults to serve while balancing school, work, or other responsibilities.

In 2024, Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County collaborated with partner schools, local municipalities, community organizations, parents, and members of the community to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment. The community assessment data indicated that Utah students, especially junior high and high school age, are experiencing significant mental health challenges. 80% of respondents who participated in the community needs assessment reported that depressive symptoms are a significant challenge for youth they know. According to 2023 SHARP data, approximately 67% of Utah students in grades 6–12 reported experiencing moderate depressive symptoms. Despite this high prevalence, 43% of students had not spoken to anyone about their mental health in the past 30 days. When students did seek support, they most commonly turned to their peers (43%), while only 7% spoke with a school counselor (Utah DHHS, 2023). Similarly, in 2021, just 13% of children ages 3–17 in Utah received any form of mental health care (KFF, 2023). 

This data underscores a critical gap in access to mental health resources—particularly within the school environment—and highlights a growing reliance on peer support.

• Interested in serving? Contact our team to learn about upcoming YMHC volunteer opportunities with Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County.

• Community partner or supporter? We’d love to connect and explore collaboration opportunities.

To learn more about the national initiative, visit:
www.YouthMentalHealthCorps.org