PA Youth Advocacy Network Equips Teens to Lead Policy Change

Through the work of the PA Youth Advocacy Network, an initiative of JHF, Pennsylvania teens are stepping into leadership roles to strengthen mental health supports in their schools and communities, proving that youth voices are central to driving change.

The Network’s premiere activity, the 2026 PA Youth Advocacy Series kicked off on February 3, welcoming 25 student advocates from across the Commonwealth. Over six weeks, participants will develop recommendations to strengthen state and local programs related to mental health curriculum, fostering belonging and wellbeing within schools, school counseling, substance use, and connections between schools and community-based organizations through Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) funding. Students will meet with school administrators and build skills in advocacy, data storytelling, coalition-building, and effective communication, preparing them to influence real policy and practice.

Youth leadership was also front and center at the NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s annual Youth Mental Health Conference February 6, where several teens and alumni from the PA Youth Advocacy Network headlined the afternoon plenary session. Moderated by Network alumnus and Vassar College student Connor Dalgaard, the panel, “Youth Voices, Real Challenges: A Candid Conversation on Mental Health,”featured Network alumnus Mohammad Shedeed (University of Pittsburgh), Micah Dean (Duquesne University), friend of the Network Joy Oranwa (Penn Hills High School), and Network member Emily Kadosh (Pittsburgh Allderdice High School). Panelists shared insights about the most pressing mental health challenges, the supports making a meaningful difference, and the gaps that remain.

The conference drew more than 400 attendees, including representatives from over 20 school districts, academies, and universities, along with 50 exhibitors and multiple workshop sessions, elevating youth perspectives to a statewide audience.

Momentum continued February 25 when students joined educators and community leaders at the JCC for “Creating Change,”a student-led mental health advocacy workshop. The workshop focused on three goals: teaching students how to engage in school and legislative advocacy, building their confidence and leadership skills, and learning from peers and community partners about advancing mental health initiatives.

A highlight of the program was an “Advocacy 101” session, led by Shedeed, where past and current members of the PA Youth Advocacy Network shared their experiences working with legislators and navigating the policy process. Participants received a legislative toolkit to support their own outreach efforts. Leaders from NAMI, Stand Together, UpStreet, and Beacon/ Friendship Circle also joined the conversation, discussing how their organizations support schools and exploring how to better partner with youth. Through panel and small-group discussions, students examined what helps teens feel supported, how to connect peers to resources, and how to create safe conditions for seeking help.