About the Report
At the end of the 2024 – 25 program year, WestEd, a nonpartisan research and development agency, conducted an independent evaluation of the YMHC’s first year. Their report, combined initiative-wide data with on-site interviews at service sites across the four pilot states to assess how the model is working in practice and its impact on youth and communities.
Key Themes
From its first year of implementation, three main themes emerged, demonstrating early signs of community impact:
Near-Peer Connections as the Engine for Engagement
Authentic, near-peer relationships foster trust and openness, breaking down barriers for students to seek help.
One Model, Many Contexts—Adaptability Makes a Difference
With a flexible framework, YMHC adapts to diverse settings while maintaining its core focus on student support and workforce development.
Dual Bottom Line—Immediate Student Support and Long-Term Workforce Pathway
YMHC provides vital support for students today while preparing young adults for careers in behavioral health.