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The Live Más Scholarship from Taco Bell Foundation supports students ages 16–26 who are pursuing post-secondary education — whether in college, vocational/trade school, or other accredited programs — and empowers them to chase their passions and make a positive impact in their communities. Scholars are selected not on grades or test scores, but on their creativity, drive, and the potential of their ideas — submitting a brief video or essay about their passion, goals, and what “Live Más” means to them. Award amounts can reach $5,000–$25,000 per student, and recipients also gain access to mentorship, professional networking, and a community of dreamers and doers helping turn ambition into opportunity. Applications for the 2026 program must be submitted by January 6, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
Youth Infusion is excited to share this opportunity from one of our partners, the PA Youth Advocacy Network: the 2026 Teen Advocacy Series, a statewide program for teens who want to use their voices to strengthen mental health supports and create positive change in their schools and communities. This virtual series, held Tuesdays from February 3–March 10, 2025, teaches real-world advocacy skills, connects youth with teen advocates and peers across Pennsylvania, and concludes with participants presenting their recommendations to state government changemakers. While the series focuses on advocacy related to mental health, it is not therapy; instead, it equips teens with skills, tools, and a strong network to be effective advocates. Teens who complete the series receive a $150 stipend. Applications are due January 16, 2025.
Rooted in Youth is a youth-led podcast powered by our YLAB Student Ambassadors and sponsored by Project AWARE, providing a platform for young people to amplify their voices and lead meaningful conversations. Each episode features students exploring the topics that matter most to them—mental health, leadership, identity, community issues, and more—while sharing their lived experiences, perspectives, and solutions. YLAB Student Ambassadors also interview speakers for the upcoming NEPA Youth-Led Leadership Conference, share updates throughout the planning process, and highlight key moments from the conference after April. Rooted in Youth ensures that teens are not just heard, but valued as leaders shaping their communities and the world around them.
The Media & Mentorship Lab through Youth Infusion, Inc. is a hands-on, 12-week mentorship and media-skills program designed to equip young people with real-world digital media, marketing, storytelling, and entrepreneurial tools. Through weekly Saturday sessions running December to April — led by experienced media professionals including filmmaker/marketing expert Jerry Dean Hocek — participants learn to plan, film, edit, and distribute high-quality content, develop social media strategy, and produce digital campaigns for local nonprofits and businesses. The Lab fosters collaboration, creative confidence, strategic thinking, and teamwork, while building a professional portfolio that opens pathways to future employment, business opportunities, and community impact.
The Transparent Podcast is a bold, heartfelt, and empowering show — sponsored by Sanofi and powered by Youth Infusion — that uplifts, celebrates, and supports the LGBTQ+ community across Northeast Pennsylvania and beyond. It creates space for authentic stories from LGBTQ+ youth, adults, families, and allies, offering real conversations about identity, belonging, mental health, relationships, leadership, and the everyday lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Through interviews, storytelling, community spotlights, and honest dialogue, the podcast builds visibility, safety, and connection — creating a platform where people feel seen, heard, and supported, while reducing stigma and fostering understanding. Rooted in advocacy and acceptance, the Transparent Podcast strengthens community reach and youth engagement, helping LGBTQ+ youth connect with resources, allies, and opportunities that affirm who they are.
Young people are the heartbeat of the mental health movement—and we want to hear from you. Youth Infusion, in partnership with Strong Minds, Bright Futures (where our Executive Director, Elika Almeida, serves as Co-Chair of the Communications Committee alongside David Heayn-Menendez of Children First), invites teens across Pennsylvania to step in front of the camera and share their real experiences, ideas, and hopes for improving teen mental health. Your voice has the power to shape conversations, influence adults and policymakers, and inspire other young people who may be struggling. If you’re interested in being featured in a youth-led mental health video or interview, please complete the interest form, and our team will reach out to get you scheduled. Your story matters—help us build a brighter future for teens across PA.
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