SPEAK is thrilled to invite AANHPI-identifying students with a passion for mental health to apply to the Young Visionaries in Wellness & Leadership Program!
Program Description
Students will work together as a group to develop a program that is geared towards transition age youth (adolescents - young adults) with the ultimate goal of supporting mental health within AANHPI youth transition age youth (adolescents - young adults) communities.
Program Information
Applications for 2026-2027 are now CLOSED and will reopen in Fall 2026.
Announcements for 2026’s Young Visionaries are coming!
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Work with your peers to bring a program to life under the guidance and mentorship of Executive Director Dr. Teresa Hsu
Receive SPEAK's 4-hour training on supporting peer mental health and accompanying toolkit (SPEAK UP-MORE training, Uniting People on Mental health Outreach for Resilience CommunitiEs).
Continue your volunteer leadership role within the newly implemented program for a second year (optional)
Be featured on SPEAK’s website, have continued access to SPEAK mentorship and network support, and if appropriate, Dr. Hsu may also provide you a letter of recommendation for college, graduate school, internship/job applications, etc.
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Selected students will:
Remain engaged for the program’s duration of one year: January 2026 – December 2026.
Be available for (1) Monthly group mentorship meetings (2) Monthly didactics Thursday evenings (subject to change depending on guest speaker; virtual); (3) Group planning meetings in-between mentorship meetings; (4) Volunteer with SPEAK for at least three (3) in-person events over the course of the year (approx. 15 hrs/yr). For high schoolers, this can be counted towards community service hours as well.
Be self-motivated, be able to work independently, and maintain clear communication and professionalism.
Estimated time commitment: 4-6 hours/month + 3 in-person SPEAK volunteer events (15 hours/year)
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The selected students will each receive a stipend of $750.
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This volunteer opportunity is open to high school, gap year, and undergraduate level students in Westchester County, New York.
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To apply, please complete the following items by Sunday, November 23, 2025:
Complete the "Young Visionaries in Wellness & Leadership Program: 2026-2027" Application Form.
Submit one letter of recommendation (from a non-relative) by asking your recommender to email their LOR OR submit the contact info of your recommender(a non-relative) by emailing their name, email, and phone number to SPEAK (info@connecttospeak.org).
Undergraduate-level students only: Please email your resume to SPEAK (info@connecttospeak.org) .
Students will be notified of their application status no later than December 19, 2025.
Meet our Young Visionary Leaders for 2026-2027!
Emma
Emma Florence is a Senior Girl Scout & high school student with a mixed Chinese American identity who identifies with issues in her community that affect her background, values, and beliefs. She therefore strives to understand the world around her and improve solutions to important challenges that influence society. Community work and contribution complements some of her favorite hobbies: singing, swimming, reading, and gardening! Through YV, Emma hopes to shine a light on the similarities & differences that teens of different backgrounds experience. She feels confident about her ability to connect and show empathy for both aspects of her identity: the Asian and American sides.
Tashi has a background in economics and an interest in leadership and mental health advocacy. Born and raised in Nepal, she brings a thoughtful perspective shaped by her community and experiences. During her gap year, she is learning and growing through volunteering. She has volunteered at an animal shelter supporting feline companions and has volunteered with SPEAK in the past. Through the YV Program, Tashi hopes to explore how economics, mental health, and community well-being intersect and inspire positive change.
Tashi
Young Visionary Alumni
We’re excited to spotlight Ryan’s work over the last year. Come back to this page to learn more about his project, LOTUS!
A special THANK YOU to our founding partner of Young Visionaries, Thriving Asians. We loved working with you in 2025 and can’t wait to collaborate again!