Dynamic Futures is a youth career pathway program designed to provide scholars ages 16-18 years old with an introduction to the field of mental and behavioral health. Our program directly addresses the drastic workforce shortage of behavioral health clinicians, specifically focusing on the more dire shortage of clinicians of color. Our program addresses educational, financial, and social barriers in underrepresented communities in the hopes of building clear pathways for our scholars to join the behavioral health workforce.

Dynamic Futures begins with a 4-week summer program that provides scholars with knowledge in behavioral health and mental health workforce environments, careers, and educational pathways. During the program, scholars visit 10 community organizations, 3 higher education institutions, and 10 internship sites. They learn about 30+ behavioral health topics from over 70+ speakers, presenters, and panelists and had access to 15+ mentors working in the behavioral health field. Scholars receive specific skills, certifications, and trainings including healthcare simulation experiences, Narcan training, and Teen Mental Health First Aid certifications. They also have access to a free Introduction to Psychology course after completing the program, as well as continued mentorship from leaders actively in the behavioral health workforce, after completing the program.