Jaden Brown and Hannah Corwin were among the inaugural participants in The Jed Foundation’s (JED) National Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition (YAC) internship program. This 10-week paid program trained undergraduates in mental health advocacy and community outreach through a structured curriculum and expert mentorship to help them engage in mental health advocacy at the community, state, and federal levels.
At the end of their internship, Brown and Corwin presented their work before various audiences and Brown spoke on a youth panel at JED’s annual Policy Summit in Washington, D.C, last October. JED is currently recruiting for the next cohort of YAC interns.
We asked Brown and Corwin about their experiences as YAC interns and what the program meant to them.
Brown: My biggest accomplishment as a YAC intern was being able to be vulnerable and transparent about my mental health journey. I believe that I was able to effectively advocate for millions of youth nationwide, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources and support systems.
Corwin: I would say my main accomplishments include contributing to active and impactful advocacy work amidst so much national change. It was empowering to do research and have important conversations with the people who are shaping the future of our country’s culture surrounding mental health.
Corwin: Because my internship was virtual, it was super impactful to attend the most recent conference in Baltimore. Being able to meet many of the people I’d been working with was so great, and it was also amazing to see and hear from a group of like-minded, smart, and dedicated people with a shared cause.
Brown: My most impactful moment from the experience was being able to be in conversation with mental health professionals and fellow advocates about the direction in which mental health for many youth is headed and constructing effective means to combat the challenges that these youth face during one of the most trivial periods in history.
Corwin: I learned the importance of collaborating with people both similar and different to yourself. There is much to be learned from those who have a similar background and career to you, but it is also just as important to be introduced to new perspectives and ideas.
Brown: As a YAC intern, you will meet a myriad of mental health professionals and advocates that will enlighten you in ways you would never have imagined. The connections and memories that are made during your time as a fellow are invaluable. I encourage anyone and everyone who comes across the application to apply because even if you doubt yourself or aren’t sure where to get started with being involved, everyone has a story that the world is willing to listen to.
The deadline to apply for the Summer 2025 cohort is Friday,Jul 11, 2025 at 6 p.m. ET. Learn more about the program on the YAC application page.
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