Step Up, Stand Out, Join the Movement
Are you a high school student passionate about mental health? Do you want to make a real difference while building leadership skills that stand out on college applications? If so, our Teen Ambassador Program (TAP) is for YOU!
Why join?
• Earn 40+ service hours, a Certificate of Completion, a Graduation Cord & a Letter of Recommendation • Get certified in Teen Mental Health First Aid & Sources of Strength • Gain mentorship from industry leaders and grow your confidence • Develop leadership skills that will set you apart • Join a supportive community of like-minded teens making a real impact • Be a voice for change and help de-stigmatize mental health
Your Role:
• Attend Monthly Meetings – Every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30PM (primarily virtual) • Volunteer 4+ hrs./month – Get involved in RBF programs, events, social media, blogging, and more • Complete any required training as needed • Lead a Campaign – Develop a mental health awareness project in your school or community • Join Focus Groups – Help shape programs and initiatives that make a real difference • Spread Positivity – Champion hope and acceptance in innovative way • Show Up & Be You – Bring your enthusiasm, passion, and unique perspective
What’s Your Strength? Pick Your Track!
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Mentoring Track – Are you the friend everyone turns to for advice? Love meeting new people, bringing your hype, and sharing your story? This track is for you! You'll mentor other teens through The Fort and Teen Hangouts, help create a safe space, and spark real conversations that matter.
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Media & Events Track – Are you creative, task-oriented, and love working behind the scenes? Join this track to help spread awareness through social media, content creation, event setup, and behind-the-scenes support.
Is This for You?
This is a year-long program open to rising 10th - 12th graders in Loudoun County, including public, private, and homeschool students who are passionate about mental health and ready to take action. If you’re eager to make a real impact, grow as a compassionate leader, and be part of a movement for change, we’d love to have you join us!
Meet Your TAP Leaders!
Dr. Lacey Rosenbaum
Program Director, Ryan Bartel Foundation
Dr. Lacey is a psychologist and expert in resilience, mental health, and suicide prevention. She co-created Teen Mental Health First Aid with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and has worked on national projects with the American Psychological Association and the CDC. She’s passionate about making mental health education accessible for everyone and loves helping teens support each other and thrive.
Dr. Cameron Caswell
Director of Parent Education for the Thriving School Community,
Dr. Cam is an adolescent psychologist and mental health advocate who’s all about helping teens and parents build strong, healthy relationships. She’s a TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author who’s been working with the Ryan Bartel Foundation for years to create awesome teen programs. When she’s not speaking up for mental health, you can find her traveling with her own teen to see Broadway shows in NYC, binge-watching competitive reality TV, or playing board games with her friends and family. Connect with her on Instagram @DrCamCaswell
Application window opens April 1st - 30th
Please submit your application early to be considered. Application window closes April 30th 11:59pm EST.
Dates to remember
• 1st Round interviews: 1st week of May
• 2nd Round Interviews: 2nd week of May
• Acceptance Letters Sent: 3rd week of May
• In-Person Kickoff Party: May 31
Join us and be part of the movement to change the conversation around teen mental health!
What will you achieve? • Elevate Your Skills: Advance your mental health literacy and leadership capabilities. • Drive Real Change: Build the confidence to support peers facing mental health challenges. • Challenge the Norm: Play a key role in de-stigmatizing discussions around mental health. • Earn and Learn: Accumulate 40+ community service hours and receive a Certificate of Completion. • Stand Out: Secure a Letter of Recommendation and special recognition for senior ambassadors.
What is the time commitment? • Duration: A 12-month transformative journey from June 2024 - May 2025. • The program requires a minimum of 4 hours per month. • Including 2 hours of monthly meetings: Stay informed, get trained, connect with fellow volunteers, and discuss and work on projects. • Minimum of 2 hours of volunteer service: You’ll be actively involved in making a difference in our programs, focus groups, or fundraising events.
What if I can’t commit 4 hours in a single month? No worries! We understand schedules can be flexible. You can make up for missed hours in the following months as long as the total commitment is met.
What will I be doing as a volunteer at RBF’s programs? • Greet and support participants: Be the first friendly face people see when they arrive at any program. Introduce new members, and help them feel welcome and supported during the sessions. • Support activity facilitators: Help guide attendees through engaging experiences at The FORT or the Hangout.
How do You join? • Apply Online: Jumpstart your journey at ryanbartelfoundation.org/Teen-Ambassador • Application Window: April 1-30. Apply early!
When will I hear back about my application? Applications close on April 30th. We’ll review all applications and reach out to everyone by the second week of May.