Photo from the Mental Wellness Student Leadership Summit 2025 where nearly 50 schools shared ideas to uplift mental wellness.
Learn more about student-led school-based wellness programs in Wisconsin by exploring our program map.
Youth Voice Promotes Mental Health
What's on the Minds of Wisconsin Youth:
Youth shared these thoughts at our Mental Wellness Student Leadership Summits in 2025 and 2024.
Academic pressure and achievement culture top the list.
Balance, support, and safety are key elements to a strong foundation in mental wellness.
Youth recommend less judgement and more kind, inclusive school cultures to improve youth belonging at school.
High school students agree that addressing mental wellness should start earlier. They share thoughts on how to address it in middle school.
Teens share uplifting reminders for their peers across Wisconsin.
We asked youth what they want adults to know about their mental health, and overwhelming, they simply want to be heard.
Partnering With Youth
In order to meaningfully engage and empower youth leaders, there must be genuine partnerships between young people and supportive adults in a safe and respectful environment. Ample opportunities to plan and make decisions, as well as shape policy and practice, are also key components to youth leadership.
OCMH is encouraging individuals and organizations throughout the state to meaningfully engage and empower youth leaders. Be intentional about including their voice in your work. Below are a few key resources on how to incorporate youth voice in your organization or school:
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