Summer 2026 National Mental Health Youth Advocacy Coalition Internship
The Jed Foundation (Jed)
Washington, DC, USA
USD 17-17 / hour
Posted on Mar 23, 2026
The Jed Foundation (JED) is now accepting applications for the summer 2026 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 eight-week hybrid, paid internship trains undergraduate students in mental health advocacy and community outreach. Interns receive a structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and paid compensation to develop and launch their own strategic advocacy plans.
Interns will participate in Advocacy Days on Capitol Hill and continue their advocacy throughout the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Application Deadline
- April 10, 2026
- Department
- 02. Policy, Advocacy, & Government Relations
- Employment Type
- Internship
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
- Workplace type
- Hybrid
- Compensation
- $17.00 / hour
- Reporting To
- Director of Policy
Personal Summary/Write-Up Submission Requirement
PLEASE USE THE PERSONAL SUMMARY SECTION OF THIS APPLICATION TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
Submit two short essays between 300-400 words in length each responding to the following prompts:
Submit two short essays between 300-400 words in length each responding to the following prompts:
Prompt 1:
- “Why are you interested in joining the Youth Advocacy Coalition?
- "What mental health advocacy efforts, policy initiatives, or projects do you hope to pursue through this program?”
As you prepare your response to Prompt 1, we encourage you to share how you think critically, collaborate with others, and draw from your own experiences, passions, and perspectives. We are especially interested in how you hope to uniquely contribute to efforts that support youth mental health and help prevent suicide across the U.S.
Prompt 2:
- “Do you think artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to support youth mental health? Why or why not? If yes, what rules or safeguards should be in place?”
As you prepare your response to Prompt 2, we encourage you to reflect on how artificial intelligence may be shaping youth mental health. The review committee is especially interested in hearing your unique perspectives and experiences, as well as your thoughts on how emerging technologies can be used in ways that are both safe and supportive for young people.
Commitment
- Program Dates: June 1 - July 24, 2026 (virtual)
- Must be available 16 hours per week, including virtual participation in meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. EST.
- Advocacy Days: July 20 - 23, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (in-person)
- JED will provide travel and lodging for any selected interns residing outside the D.C. area.
Application Timeline
What should you expect?
- Applications OPEN: Monday, March 23, 2026
- Applications CLOSE: Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST
- Applicants will be notified: May 2026
- Eligibility: Interns must be enrolled in a college or university as a rising freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior for the 2026-2027 academic year and be based in the United States, including the District of Columbia. Interns must be available to travel to Washington, D.C., July 20-23, 2026. *JED will provide travel and lodging for any selected interns residing outside the D.C. area.*
Pay will be $17/hr or your state’s minimum wage, whichever is higher 💸.
About The Jed Foundation
The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow. 💙
Why Join the JED Team?
Why Join the JED Team?
- Be a Lifesaver: Join a team directly responsible for protecting the emotional health of millions of teens and young adults. Your work has a measurable impact on preventing suicide and substance misuse.
- Systemic Change: We don’t just provide resources; we transform how high schools and colleges approach mental health. You’ll be part of a movement building lasting, nationwide support systems.
- Culture of Compassion: We practice what we preach. At JED, we value a supportive, inclusive environment where mental health is prioritized and stigma is non-existent.
- Empower the Future: Help us equip the next generation with the resilience and skills they need to navigate adulthood and fulfill their potential.
Documents
Yac roadmap (1)
Click to view
Pay Ranges:
The range listed on this job posting is based on JED's compensation posting ranges. The range(s) are informed by market research conducted across various U.S. regions and are designed to account for geographic differences in compensation. Actual salary will depend on factors such as experience, qualifications, and work location and may not exceed the posted pay ranges.
Location/Travel Information:
Roles at JED are primarily hybrid and based out of the New York City Tri‑State Area, which supports all of JED’s core services and functions. For positions supporting JED’s Policy & Advocacy team, the location is based in the Washington, D.C. area.
Certain positions may have additional or specific location requirements as determined by organizational needs. Location requirements for each role are specified on the top right of this job opening page — please pay particular attention when applying. Also note that JED does not cover permanent relocation costs at this time.
In‑person attendance is required for periodic retreats or business meetings at JED’s central office in NYC or other locations as designated by JED leadership. Additional travel may be required based on role responsibilities, team priorities, or organizational projects.
Work Authorization
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. JED does not provide employment visa sponsorship at this time.
The range listed on this job posting is based on JED's compensation posting ranges. The range(s) are informed by market research conducted across various U.S. regions and are designed to account for geographic differences in compensation. Actual salary will depend on factors such as experience, qualifications, and work location and may not exceed the posted pay ranges.
Location/Travel Information:
Roles at JED are primarily hybrid and based out of the New York City Tri‑State Area, which supports all of JED’s core services and functions. For positions supporting JED’s Policy & Advocacy team, the location is based in the Washington, D.C. area.
Certain positions may have additional or specific location requirements as determined by organizational needs. Location requirements for each role are specified on the top right of this job opening page — please pay particular attention when applying. Also note that JED does not cover permanent relocation costs at this time.
In‑person attendance is required for periodic retreats or business meetings at JED’s central office in NYC or other locations as designated by JED leadership. Additional travel may be required based on role responsibilities, team priorities, or organizational projects.
Work Authorization
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. JED does not provide employment visa sponsorship at this time.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer, including typing, viewing screens, and engaging in virtual meetings.
- Frequent phone, email, and video conferencing communication require clear speech, active listening, and visual acuity.
- Occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds for conference booth setup, promotional materials, or event-related tasks.
- Flexibility to adjust to different work environments, including home offices, shared workspaces, and on-site event locations.
General Benefits:
At JED, you’ll join a team of compassionate professionals committed to protecting youth mental health. Our mission-driven culture encourages collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people across the country.
Employees who are eligible for benefits may participate in JED’s equity program and have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, mental health support, and more.
For our benefits-eligible employees (such as full-time staff), we also offer a generous paid time off policy, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a 401(k) plan with employer matching. Temporary staff and interns may be eligible for limited benefits.
These benefits apply to all benefits-eligible permanent staff. Eligibility may vary based on role, employment status, and location. Temporary employees and interns are eligible for limited benefits, which will be communicated during the hiring or onboarding process.
🌟 Benefits That Support You — Professionally and Personally
At JED, we’re committed to creating an environment where our team can thrive. From generous time off to comprehensive health and financial benefits, we’ve got you covered.
🏖️ Paid Time Off
- Vacation – ~15 days per year to rest, recharge, and reset (increases to 20 days after 4 years)
- Holidays – 10 paid holidays throughout the year
- Floating Holiday – 1 personal day to use however you'd like
- Birthday Day Off – Take your birthday off to celebrate YOU! 🎉
- Winter Break (No FOMO Week) – 5-day, all-team holiday closure at the end of each calendar year
- Personal Leave (Life Leave) – 3 days annually to take care of life—errands, appointments, or personal time
- Sick Leave – 6 days annually for your health or to care for a sick loved one
🛑 Leaves of Absence
We follow all applicable state and federal leave guidelines, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state-specific family and medical leave programs (e.g., NYS Paid Family Leave). Where no state plan exists, we use NYS PFML as a baseline. Please note: Eligibility or waiting periods may apply depending on the type of leave and your location. We will help you navigate your options should a leave need arise.
⏱️ Other Time Off
- Bereavement Leave – 5 days of paid leave for the loss of an immediate family member
- Jury Duty – Paid time off to fulfill your civic responsibility
💸 Health & Financial Wellbeing
- Transit Benefits – Use pre-tax dollars for eligible commuting costs
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Pay for qualifying out-of-pocket healthcare or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
- Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA):
- Mental Health HRA – $1,500/year for all benefits-eligible staff, with additional funds for those covering dependents
- Health HRA – Available for employees enrolled in JED’s medical plan
- Dental HRA – Available for employees enrolled in JED’s dental plan
🩺 24/7 Health Support
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Teladoc Virtual Health – 24/7 access to doctors and mental health professionals, at no cost to you
🪙 Retirement Planning
- 401(k) Safe Harbor Plan
- Start contributing on Day 1
- Employer Match (after 6 months):
- 100% match on the first 3% of compensation
- 50% match on the next 2%
We’re building a mission-driven team—and that starts by investing in the people behind the mission.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know by responding to the confirmation emails you receive from us when you apply or schedule an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs in accordance with applicable laws.
Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Statement
JED is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values collaboration and creativity. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable state, federal, and local laws. We welcome and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and contribute to our mission of protecting emotional health and preventing suicide.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Applied
Stage 2:
YAC Team Review
Stage 3:
Interview
Stage 4:
References/Offer/Background Check
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