Rural Health Corps - Youth Mental Health Corps Initative

Rural Health Corps
- Youth Mental Health Corps Initative

The Rural Health Corps Youth Mental Health Corps is an Ameri Corps service-to-career program of AR Rural Health Partnership that will strengthen youth mental health prevention and early intervention in rural and underserved communities across Arkansas. The program is part of the National Youth Mental Health Corps initiative, connecting young adults across the country through service, training, and career development focused on youth mental health.

Rural communities often face barriers to behavioral health services, including provider shortages, limited resources, transportation challenges, and mental health stigma. Rural Health Corps places trained Ameri Corps Members in schools, school-based clinics, and youth-serving organizations to strengthen local support systems and expand pathways to prevention, early intervention, resources, and care.

The program uses a near-peer approach, connecting youth with trained young adults who can provide relatable and accessible support while helping normalize conversations about mental health. Through trusted relationships, Members help reduce stigma, increase awareness, and strengthen connections among youth, families, schools, and community resources.

As part of the national Youth Mental Health Corps, Members join a broader network of peers serving communities across the country. They have opportunities to collaborate with national cohort members, share experiences and best practices, participate in national learning opportunities, and access additional training, professional development, and career resources.

Rural Health Corps combines meaningful community service with professional development, helping Members build skills, experience, and networks relevant to behavioral health, social work, psychology, public health, education, community health, and youth development. Through this service-to-career model, Members support Arkansas youth while building a foundation for their own educational and career goals.

Across sites throughout Arkansas, Members support youth ages 13–18 through prevention, education, outreach, and connection to resources. Across all tracks, Members co-facilitate at least two four-week Thrive Wellness Program groups annually, using evidence-based sessions focused on growth mindset, gratitude, and values. Members engage in outreach, student identification, mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and strengthening referral pathways. Members do not provide one‑on‑one counseling or clinical services.

The 900HR Community Health Track is approximately 25 hours/ week and includes Community Health Worker certification and specialized training. The 450HR tracks are approximately 15 hours/ week, depending on the service term. The Field Education Track is for college students completing practicum or field placement and may include activities within their academic scope & supervision. The Prevention Track focuses on core prevention activities, with optional CHW training.

• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Training
• Career Coaching
• Living Allowance

• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Uniforms provided and required
• Car recommended

• Community Outreach
• Education
• Children/Youth

• Youth Development
• Social Services
• General Skills
• Communications
• Team Work
• Public Speaking
• Computers/Technology
• Counseling
• Conflict Resolution

10/01/2026- 05/31/2027

Part Time

High school diploma/GED

Minimum:18 Maximum:24

ARKANSAS

Rural Health Corps
- Youth Mental Health Corps Initative

From 08/01/2026 To 09/20/2026