Youth Advisory Council Awards Grants for Youth-Led Suicide Prevention Projects

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation’s (OSPF) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has selected 10 youth-led suicide prevention initiatives to receive a total of nearly $10,000 in grant funding.

YAC members recently met in Columbus to review applications for youth-led grants. Funding was available to support Ohio middle schools, junior high schools, and high school students who are leading evidence-informed or evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health initiatives in their schools and communities.

YAC has welcomed three new members, bringing the total to 21 high school students from across Ohio. The new members are:

• Subham Dahal, Walnut Hills High School, Cincinnati
• Ben Kurian, Olentangy Liberty High School, Powell
• Eric Liu, Indian Hill High School, Cincinnati

“The Youth Advisory Council plays a vital role in elevating ideas created by young people, for young people,” said OSPF CEO Tony Coder. “It’s exciting to see members thoughtfully select youth-led projects and empower the next generation of leaders who are actively shaping the future of suicide prevention.”

The programs selected by YAC to receive funding are:

County: Cuyahoga
Organization: Cuyahoga Falls High School
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
The “Mentor Madness” campaign will invite students to recognize their trusted adults through activities led by Peer Leaders, who will share nominations via video announcements and social media. The campaign culminates in a school assembly with games, a “GOAT Mentor” (Greatest of All Time) award, and the distribution of mental health resources.
Award amount: $750

County: Cuyahoga
Organization: Fairview Park City School District
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
The “Pawsitive Difference” program will bring a therapy dog to the middle and high schools. Grant funds will cover training and exam costs as well as supplies for the therapy dog while at school. Adult Advisor Mrs. Janice Frygier will be the therapy dog’s owner, and Peer Leaders will be program ambassadors.
Award amount: $968

County: Franklin
Organization: Ohio Hispanic Coalition
Youth-led program: Juventud en Acción
Project summary:
The youth-led, two-part series will include the “Soy Fuerte” (I Am Strong) Workshop to reduce stigma and teach coping skills like stress management and journaling. It will be followed by a bilingual Community & Culture Night that brings families together through youth storytelling and art, strengthening family connectedness and supporting youth mental health.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Geauga
Organization: Berkshire Local School District
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
Hosting the Second Annual WORK the WHEEL Wellness Fair for 7th- and 8th-grade students. The fair will bring in community-based partners that represent each of Sources of Strength’s eight protective factors. In addition, peer-led activities will promote student well-being and connectivity.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Guernsey
Organization: SOCC Foundation
Youth-led program: Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Project summary:
Establish a SADD chapter at Buckeye Trail High School to empower students to promote healthy choices and positive peer influence. Grant funds will also support the school’s spring suicide prevention activities, including promoting 988.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Huron
Organization: South Central Middle School
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
Implement “Unlock Your Strengths,” an interactive program designed to reduce isolation, encourage help-seeking, and strengthen protective factors that support youth mental health and suicide prevention. Through guided activities and problem-solving challenges, students engage with the eight Sources of Strength in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Award amount: $900

County: Lawrence
Organization: Necco Community Behavioral Health
Youth-led program: School-Based Community Behavioral Health
Project summary:
In collaboration with high school student leaders, Necco will offer a two-part suicide prevention and mental health education series using the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program for interested students at Collins Career Center and Chesapeake High School.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Lawrence
Organization: Tiffin Columbian High School
Youth-led program: SADD
Project summary:
SADD members will host their “Face the Storm” mental health awareness campaign for middle and high schools during the first week of May, in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Meigs
Organization: Eastern Local School District
Youth-led program: Student Health Council
Project summary:
Students will host a Sources of Strength campaign titled, “Eagles Rise Together: Connection Is Prevention.” Youth will engage students in grades 6-12 to identify positive coping mechanisms, trusted adults, and opportunities to improve their sense of belonging at their school. The campaign will launch in the first week of May to mark Mental Health Awareness Month. 
Award amount: $950

County: Scioto
Organization: Sciotoville Community School
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
Funds will be used to create a student space with tools and supplies to help students manage stress, build self-control, and stay focused. The space will support programming such as practical skill-building workshops, peer encouragement, and small group sessions that promote resilience, personal responsibility, and positive decision-making.
Award amount: $1,000

Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. OSPF and the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health provide funding and support for the grants.