Youth Advisory Board
Program Description
Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members work closely with our research team to provide insight into their lived experiences with technology and mental illness. The YAB is a collaborative effort to address research limitations related to adolescent depression and suicide. Through the YAB, we aim to: (1) engage youth who can offer expertise on adolescent mental health experiences; (2) promote developmentally and culturally informed research programs and practices; (3) provide professional opportunities (e.g., mentorship, conferences, learning about research); and (4) bridge the gap between community members, stakeholders, and researchers to amplify perspectives of those with lived experience.
Commitment
The YAB members will serve one-year terms. Each term commitment includes four Zoom meetings (once every three months) lasting ~1.5 hours. During these meetings, YAB members will be asked to evaluate new and ongoing research programs and provide feedback (e.g., recruitment strategies, feasibility and acceptability of data collection tools). Board members will discuss issues relating to adolescence, technology use, and mental illness with study leaders and identify salient issues for teens in today’s world. Additionally, YAB members will be invited to talk with current lab members, ask questions, and receive information and advice about research careers in mental health and social sciences.
Policies
Joining a Youth Advisory Board is a great way to gain leadership skills and develop your interest in mental health research. Please note that we will happily provide a signed letter attesting to your commitment and participation in the program, but do not write individualized college recommendation letters. YAB members are required to attend 75% of the board meetings to receive this attestation letter.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for thoughtful, outspoken, and passionate individuals (ages 13-17 years) eager to share their thoughts about adolescence, technology (e.g., social media), and mental health.
How to Apply?
We will accept applications for the 2024 Board Term September - December 2023. The application process includes a written personal statement from the applicant and an adult reference. The 2024 YAB Application will be posted soon!