Summer 2025 National Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition Internship

Application Deadline: 11 July 2025

Department: 02. Policy, Advocacy, & Government Relations

Employment Type: Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.

Reporting To: SVP, Policy, Advocacy & Government Relations

Compensation: $16.50 / hour

Description

The Jed Foundation (JED) is now accepting applications for the Summer 2025 cohort of the National Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition (YAC) Internship. 

YAC brings together young mental health advocates in a brave space to drive change through education, policy advocacy, media, and storytelling. This six-week hybrid Internship trains undergraduate students in mental health advocacy and community outreach two days a week. Interns receive a structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and paid compensation to develop and launch their own strategic advocacy plans. 

Interns will present their work at JED’s Annual Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., participate in Advocacy Days on Capitol Hill, and continue their advocacy throughout the 2025–2026 academic year.

Personal Summary/Write-Up Submission Requirement

PLEASE USE THE PERSONAL SUMMARY SECTION OF THIS APPLICATION TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING: Submit a short essay between 300-400 words in length responding to the two prompts combined:

• “Why are you interested in joining the Youth Advocacy Coalition? 
• "What mental health advocacy efforts do you hope to pursue through this program?”

Commitment

• Program Dates: July 28 – September 5 (Virtual, 2 days per week)
• Advocacy Days: September 3–4 in Washington, D.C. (In-person, optional) 
• Summit Travel: October 14–15 in Washington, D.C. (In-person, required)  
  
  *JED will provide travel and lodging for any selected Interns residing outside the D.C. area.

Application Timeline

• Applications OPEN: Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9:00 AM ET
• Applications CLOSE: Friday, July 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET
• Applicants will be notified: Mid-July 2025
  
  
• Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Interns must be enrolled in a college or university as a rising freshman, sophomore, or junior for the 2025–2026 academic year and be based in the United States, including the District of Columbia.
  • Interns must be available to travel to Washington, D.C., on October 14-15, 2025, for JED’s annual Policy Summit.  *JED will provide travel and lodging for any selected interns residing outside the D.C. area.*