Step Up, Stand Out, Join the Movement
Are you a high school student passionate about mental health? Do you want to make a real difference while building leadership skills that stand out on college applications? If so, The FORT Ambassadors Program is for YOU!
Why join?
• Earn 40+ service hours, a Certificate of Completion, a Graduation Cord & a Letter of Recommendation • Get certified in Teen Mental Health First Aid & Sources of Strength • Gain mentorship from industry leaders and grow your confidence • Develop leadership skills that will set you apart • Join a supportive community of like-minded teens making a real impact • Be a voice for change and help de-stigmatize mental health
Application window opens April 1st, 2026
Your Role:
• Attend Monthly Meetings – Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30PM (primarily virtual) • Attend In-Person FORT Ambassadors Training (Summer 2026) •Attend the end of the program: Ambassador Showcase (May 2027) • Volunteer 4+ hrs./month –Support RBF programs, events, social media, blogging, and more • Lead an Impact Project– Develop a mental wellness or connection-building project in your school or community • Create & Share Awareness Content – Help promote programs and mental wellness by contributing to social media, blogs, flyers, school announcements, or other outreach efforts • School & Community Outreach – Share information about RBF opportunities at your school through announcements, clubs, or events • Share Your Ideas – Participate in discussions and feedback sessions that help shape programs • Spread Positivity – Champion hope, belonging, and acceptance in innovative ways • Show Up & Be You – Bring your enthusiasm, passion, and unique perspective
What you’ll learn
All FORT Ambassadors receive training and hands-on experience in:
-
Connection & Mentorship Leadership – Learn how to build trust, create welcoming spaces, and support other teens through encouragement, listening, and positive leadership within RBF programs.
-
Understanding Mental Health & Supporting Friends – Learn how to notice signs that someone may be having a hard time, what to say and do to help, and how to take care of your own mental wellness through healthy coping skills and strengths.
-
Youth Advocacy & Mental Wellness Communication – Learn how to promote mental health awareness through storytelling, social media, school outreach, presentations, and creative content.
Is this for you?
This is a year-long program open to rising 10th - 12th graders in Loudoun County, including public, private, and homeschool students who are passionate about mental health and ready to take action. If you’re eager to make a real impact, grow as a compassionate leader, and be part of a movement for change, we’d love to have you join us!
How to apply
-
Application Window: April 1st – April 30th
-
Pass it on to a friend!
Dates to remember
• 2nd Round Interviews: 2nd week of May
• Acceptance Letters Sent: 3rd week of May
• In-Person Kickoff Party: May 31
Join us and be part of the movement to change the conversation around teen mental health!
Meet your FORT Ambassadors Leaders!
Dr. Lacey Rosenbaum
Program Director, Ryan Bartel Foundation
Dr. Lacey is a psychologist and expert in resilience, mental health, and suicide prevention. She co-created Teen Mental Health First Aid with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and has worked on national projects with the American Psychological Association and the CDC. She’s passionate about making mental health education accessible for everyone and loves helping teens support each other and thrive.
Dr. Cameron Caswell
Director of Parent Education for the Thriving School Community,
Dr. Cam is an adolescent psychologist and mental health advocate who’s all about helping teens and parents build strong, healthy relationships. She’s a TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author who’s been working with the Ryan Bartel Foundation for years to create awesome teen programs. When she’s not speaking up for mental health, you can find her traveling with her own teen to see Broadway shows in NYC, binge-watching competitive reality TV, or playing board games with her friends and family. Connect with her on Instagram @DrCamCaswell