Help Shape the Future of Black Youth Mental Health in Ohio
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), in partnership with the Life Is Better With You Here (LIBWYH) Community of Practice, is seeking applicants for the inaugural 2026–2027 Life Is Better With You Here Youth Advisory Council (L-YAC).
The council will bring together Ohio high school students who are passionate about supporting Black youth mental health and suicide prevention. As an L-YAC member, you’ll collaborate with OSPF staff and fellow youth leaders to help guide the future of the Life Is Better With You Here campaign, share your perspective, and develop ideas that can make a difference in communities across Ohio.
Applications are open now through August 3, 2026.
Why Join L-YAC?
As a member of the Youth Advisory Council, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Help shape suicide prevention initiatives that support Black youth across Ohio.
- Share your ideas and experiences to help guide future Life Is Better With You Here programming.
- Build leadership skills while working alongside youth leaders and suicide prevention professionals.
- Connect with other passionate young people from across the state.
- Receive stipends for participating in council meetings.
What You’ll Do
During your first meeting, you’ll:
- Learn how OSPF and the Life Is Better With You Here Community of Practice are working with partners, including Ohio youth, to reduce suicide in the Black community.
- Help provide direction for youth involvement in the 2027 Life Is Better With You Here Suicide Prevention Summit.
- Develop ideas for suicide prevention activities that could make an impact in your school, community, or across Ohio.
- Network and collaborate with youth who share your passion for mental health and community leadership.
L-YAC members will also meet and collaborate with members of the OSPF Youth Advisory Council, which helps guide OSPF’s broader youth suicide prevention efforts.
Following the meeting, members will stay connected with OSPF staff and one another to continue moving projects forward. A second in-person meeting will be held in spring 2027, with an additional participation stipend provided.
First Meeting
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Location: Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation: 175 S. Third Street, Suite 700, Columbus, OH 43215
- Lunch, parking, and participation stipends will be provided.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 14 and 19.
- Be enrolled in an Ohio high school or equivalent educational program (public, private, charter, homeschool, or GED program).
- Be passionate about supporting Black youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Previous participation in youth leadership or youth-led programming is encouraged but not required.
Participation Benefits
L-YAC members will receive:
- A $100 Visa gift card for participating in the September 12 meeting.
- An additional stipend for participating in the spring 2027 meeting.
- Gas gift cards for participants traveling from outside Franklin County.
- Lunch during in-person meetings.
- Documentation of community service hours or a certificate of participation.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: Now
- Application Deadline: August 3, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: On or before August 12, 2026
- For participants under the age of 18, a parent or guardian’s signature will be required before participation.
Ready to make your voice heard?
Apply today and help shape the future of Black youth mental health and suicide prevention in Ohio.
