Arkansas
In Arkansas, youth face one of the nation’s most severe mental health crises, ranking 48th nationally.
Regions
Northwest, River Valley, Central, Southwest, & Southeast
Program start date
Summer 2026
Application Window
Accepting interest now, with formal application processes following grant award announcements.
Career Pathways Available
• School & Community-Based Mental Health Navigator
Program Description
Nearly 1 in 5 high school students has considered suicide, and 43% report persistent sadness or hopelessness. Yet workforce shortages limit access to care, with just 1 school counselor per 368 students and far fewer social workers and psychologists.
The Arkansas Youth Mental Health Corps places 18-24-year-olds in schools and community-based settings to support young people in accessing care.
Youth Mental Health Corps members connect youth to resources, build trust, and strengthen the mental health workforce pipeline in Arkansas. The program integrates hands-on service with training and career development opportunities, preparing you for a future in behavioral health or education.
YMHC activities include:
- Delivering mental health education and raising awareness to help reduce stigma
- Supporting care coordination and system navigation
- Assisting with early identification and data tracking
- Building trusted relationships with youth through consistent near-peer engagement
- Supporting family & caregiver engagement by connecting them to resources, services, and local systems of care
Program Partners
- Arkansas Rural Health Partnership
- Arkansas United
- Arkansas Crisis Center
- University of Arkansas Fort Smith
Support Partners
(Letters of Support Given)
- Arkansas Technical University Ozark
- Arkansas Division of Higher Education
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Arkansas LAUNCH
- Apprenticely
- Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative
- Arkansas Division of Career & Technical Education
Certification Pathways
As a Arkansas Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through one certification pathway:
School & Community-based Mental Health Navigator
Members will earn stackable certificates and/or credits toward a higher education program as they serve in schools, after-school programs, and community-based youth organizations in communities with limited access to mental health services. All members have the opportunity to gain Community Health Worker certification, with additional options depending on individual goals.
Dr. Betsy Kindall
Arkansas Department of Education
Qualifications
To ensure you are eligible to serve, please review the essential qualifications to participate in the Arkansas Youth Mental Health Corps.
Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Must pass a criminal history check
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or Lawful Permanent Resident
Must complete foundational training in Youth Mental Health First Aid, confidentiality, and career readiness, delivered by program partners at the start of service
Member Benefits
While all Youth Mental Health Corps members have access to a variety of professional support, financial, and personal supports, Arkansas members will have access to:
Living stipend during service term
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion
Access to mental health and career training
Networking & career exploration opportunities with support in post-service job attainment
Community Health Worker credential attainment with additional stackable opportunities, & potential for apprenticeship opportunities
Pathways to employment in behavioral health or education
Real-world experience supporting youth in schools and communities
Invitation to the Commission’s Youth Summit
Training Opportunities
All Arkansas YMHC Volunteers will participate in foundational training with opportunities to advance their education through individualized training goals.
Oppportunities may include:
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- HIPAA/FERPA
- Mandated Reporter
- QPR Suicide Prevention
- Screening, Brief Intervention, & Referral to Treatment
- Stop the Bleed & CPR Training
- Soft Skills for Healthcare Professionals
- Thrive Wellness Program (A Near-Peer Group-Based Intervention)
- Community Health Worker Certification with progressive tracks toward Mental/Behavioral Health Technician Certification and Qualified Behavioral Health Provider (QBHP) Certification
Member Engagement & Support
We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment where members can connect, learn, and grow.
Our aim is to equip you with the tools, skills, and experiences necessary to overcome challenges during your service and thrive in your future career.
Interested in Applying?
To learn more about the Arkansas Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, visit Engage Arkansas.
