Today, Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC)—a first‑of‑its‑kind national initiative co‑founded by the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest—is entering Year 3 and expanding its reach across the United States.
Pinterest joined Youth Mental Health Corps as a founding funder because everyone, especially young people, deserve to feel inspired, supported and safe online and offline. As the Corps grows into 16 states for the 2026–2027 school year, adding Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey and Nevada, and actively planning a YMHC in an additional nine states to enable expansion to half the country by 2027, we are helping mobilize young adults so more children and teens can access mental health support in the places they already are.
Why Pinterest is investing in youth mental health
Pinterest is working to build a more inspired internet and a better world. That means creating safer, healthier spaces online and in our communities. We see every day that young people face complex challenges, and too often they don’t receive timely support when they need it most.
For years, we’ve invested in product experiences, policies and partnerships designed to reduce harm and support well‑being. But we also know well‑being doesn’t stop at the edge of a screen. That’s why we helped launch Youth Mental Health Corps—to connect the dots between positive online experiences and real‑world support in schools, community organizations and clinics.
To date, Pinterest has invested $40 million in its Impact Partners,1 who advance youth mental health and emotional well‑being programs, including the Youth Mental Health Corps.
“Young people are facing real challenges, online and in the world around them, and too many are doing it without the support they need," said Bill Ready, CEO at Pinterest. "At Pinterest, we believe technology should be positive and inspirational, but we know meaningful support can't stop there. We’re proud to support the Youth Mental Health Corps as it expands trusted peer support for young people, including in my home state of Kentucky.”
About the Youth Mental Health Corps
Recognized by Fast Company as a “World Changing Idea,” Youth Mental Health Corps is a national service initiative that trains young adults (typically 18–24) to serve in schools, community organizations and other local sites, where they expand access to mental health support for children and teens. Members receive training, mentorship and hands-on experience as they help connect young people to resources, lead wellness programming and reduce stigma around mental health.
Since launch, Youth Mental Health Corps members have:
Served 17,000+ young people and more than 44,000 community and family members
Supported 440 host sites across California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Virginia.
Early impact and what we’re learning
In its first year, schools participating in the Youth Mental Health Corps reported reductions in behavioral referrals and improved student attendance. Across states, school partners are also seeing more students proactively seeking support—a cultural shift toward earlier help‑seeking and reduced stigma. These results, highlighted in a report by WestEd, suggest the model is not only addressing immediate needs, but also shows promise for systemic, long‑term impact.
The power of the Corps lies in near‑peer connection. As one Corps member shared:
“As a near-peer, I occupy a space that allows for a different kind of connection. At 23, I am close enough in age to understand my students’ world—their humor, their language, the nuances of how they communicate—while still being able to support them through it. That shared understanding builds trust. It creates a bridge that makes it easier to reach what is actually going on beneath the surface.” – Berkeley Wall, 2025–2026 Colorado YMHC Corps Member
“
As a near-peer, I occupy a space that allows for a different kind of connection. At 23, I am close enough in age to understand my students’ world—their humor, their language, the nuances of how they communicate—while still being able to support them through it. That shared understanding builds trust. It creates a bridge that makes it easier to reach what is actually going on beneath the surface.”
Berkeley Wall
2025–2026 Colorado YMHC Corps MemberThis Mental Health Awareness Month, the Youth Mental Health Corps was featured on “The Jennifer Hudson Show”, as shown on the show’s website. Corps member Marissa Garcia from Colorado shared her story and in honor of her incredible impact, the show surprised her with $10,000, recognizing the powerful difference she continues to make in the lives of young people.
Looking ahead
Pinterest will continue to support the Youth Mental Health Corps and our broader network of Impact Partners as they reimagine what support for young people can look like—online and offline. Together, we’re working toward a future where every young person has someone they trust to turn to, and where that support is embedded in the fabric of their daily lives.
To learn more about the Youth Mental Health Corps, visit youthmentalhealthcorps.org.
