The Mental Health Career Navigation Fellowship is a hybrid student program open to and serving high school juniors and seniors in Bibb County, Blount County, St. Clair County, Chilton County, Walker County, Shelby County and Jefferson County (Alabama).
The in-person components of the program will take place in Birmingham, Alabama and consist of a program orientation (September 2025) and closing ceremony (May 2026). Travel stipends will be made available to participants traveling to Birmingham from rural areas.
Throughout the 8-month program, participants will complete 12 in-person and virtual workshops and meeting sessions with guest speakers, interactive exercises and strategic mentorship. Further, participants will be supported in hosting a mental health event in their community. Technology stipends will be made available to participants who may not have access to equipment needed to participate in the virtual components of the program.
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a $500.00 academic award and will transition into an alumni network that provides on-going support as they continue their career exploration.
The Mental Health Career Navigation Fellowship is made possible through a Catalyze Birmingham Challenge award. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a collective effort comprised of support from the national Catalyze initiative and funding from the Walton Family Foundation, with matched funding from the local philanthropic and business community, including the Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation, Protective Life Foundation, Regions Foundation, The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Alabama Power Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the Altec/Styslinger Foundation, and Innovate Alabama. The City of Birmingham and EmpowerED Birmingham are critical partners with Prosper Birmingham to help develop the challenge contours to best serve the community.