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Give Youth a Voice Program
“When youth help lead, they rise.”
Give Youth a Voice - A Program by Youth, for Youth
We understand that youth in our communities are struggling and that they are attempting suicide at alarming rates, especially in Colorado where suicide is the 1st leading cause of death for ages 10-14, according to the CDC.
We are committed to giving youth the voice, the tools and the resources they need to combat these pressures of society and social media. Our team works to provide education, resources and support to youth so that they are equipped to make positive choices for themselves.
We saw an unmet need for a youth-led, mental health peer program with:
High quality mental health education
Relevance for youth audiences
Peer leadership and engagement
That is why "Give Youth a Voice" program was designed.
Target Audience:
6th-8th graders in the Denver Metro Area who are seeking community
Objectives of program:
Empower connections between peers and mentors to encourage positive discussions about mental health.
Partnerships with:
School districts & charter schools
Community based organizations
Local gyms
Youth sports teams
Part I: Educational Mentorship
Part II: PowerUP Sleepaway Camp
Join the Youth Advisory Board
Are you passionate about mental health and making a difference for your generation?
The Give Youth a Voice Youth Advisory Board is your chance to help shape a program designed by youth, for youth. As a board member, you’ll share your ideas, collaborate with other students, and help create meaningful content for middle schoolers learning about mental health and leadership. Your voice matters — and your input will help build a program that supports, empowers, and inspires youth for years to come.
FAQs for Youth Advisory Board What is the Youth Advisory Board (YAB)? The Youth Advisory Board is made up of high school and college students who will help design and shape the Give Youth a Voice program — a new mental health and leadership initiative for middle school youth. Members will share ideas, experiences, and feedback to ensure the program reflects real youth perspectives and needs. What will I do as a board member? As a member of the Youth Advisory Board, you will: •Collaborate with other students to create and review program content. •Help identify topics, activities, and resources that matter most to youth. •Provide input on how mental health and leadership can be discussed in ways that are authentic and relatable. •Work with Make Mental Health Matter staff to co-create the curriculum. What is the time commitment? The advisory board meets for four weeks total, with one meeting per week lasting about one hour. Your total time commitment will be approximately four hours. What happens after the four weeks? Once the curriculum is finalized, your advisory role will conclude. However, you’ll have the opportunity to: •Return as a mentor for future participants in the Give Youth a Voice program. •Continue contributing ideas to future updates of the curriculum. •Earn volunteer service hours for your participation. Who can apply? We welcome high school and college students who care about mental health, leadership, and community impact. You do not need prior experience — just a genuine interest in helping others and a willingness to share your perspective. Will I receive training or support? Yes. Make Mental Health Matter staff will guide you through the process and provide all the information you need. You’ll never be expected to do anything on your own. Can I earn volunteer or school credit? Yes. You will receive credit for volunteer service hours and a letter of recognition that you can use for school, college, or job applications. Is there any cost to participate? No. Participation in the Youth Advisory Board is completely free. Why should I join? By joining the Youth Advisory Board, you will: •Use your voice to make a real difference in youth mental health. •Build leadership and teamwork skills. •Gain experience that looks great on college or job applications. •Help create a program that will positively impact hundreds of young people.