AIM Ideas Lab

AIM Ideas Lab is a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) program that equips high school students to research youth mental health in their communities and develop data-driven solutions.

Over the course of ten weeks, students design and conduct peer-to-peer mental health research generating youth-led recommendations that provide actionable insights for educators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders.

AIM Ideas Lab empowers young people to expand their understanding of mental health, build research and advocacy skills, and drive positive change in their schools and communities.

Current Program Information

Upcoming Cohorts:

Here’s what the 2026 AIM Ideas Lab youth researchers found…

75.4%

of teens are not sure how to approach a conversation about their mental health.

52.4%

of teens recognize social media as having a negative effect on youth mental health.

71.9%

of teens shared that they have experienced anxiety.

High School Students

AIM Ideas Lab is about elevating the teen perspective in mental health research, programming, and public policy. It provides a unique opportunity for high school students to help drive youth mental health research because:

Adults need to know what is important to you
You have life experience that can help others
Your perspective matters
You can make a difference

AIM Ideas Lab Program Objectives

Discuss youth mental health, emerging issues, and brainstorm ways to address the crisis with teens from other high schools.
Learn about qualitative and quantitative scientific research
Conduct peer-to-peer research mentored by youth mental health researchers and professionals
Collect, compare, and analyze research with the findings of other cohorts involved in AIM Ideas Lab
Generate unique, youth-led data that can inform educators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders—offering actionable insights into youth mental health that are both evidence-based and truly youth-informed.

Bringing AIM Ideas Lab into Schools and Communities

AIM partners with schools, districts, and community organizations to amplify youth voice through YPAR. In AIM Ideas Lab, students investigate issues affecting their communities, develop youth-driven solutions, and take action through advocacy.

Explore School and Community Partnerships here. Interested in bringing AIM Ideas Lab to your community? Start a conversation with Liana@AIMymh.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AIM Ideas Lab?

AIM Ideas Lab is a Youth Participatory Action Research program that equips high school students with the tools to research youth mental health and develop data-driven solutions for their schools and communities.

Working in supportive cohorts with trained mentors, students design and conduct a peer-to-peer mental health needs assessment, analyze quantitative and qualitative data, identify key findings, and develop youth-led recommendations. Students also build skills in research, leadership, communication, collaboration, advocacy, and personal well-being.

Who is eligible to participate?

AIM Ideas Lab is designed for high school students who are interested in learning about youth mental health, conducting research, and creating positive change in their schools or communities. No previous research or mental health experience is required.

AIM Ideas Lab is currently available only to students in California and Arizona. If you live outside these states but would still like to get involved with AIM, we invite you to register as an AIM volunteer.

Available cohorts and other eligibility requirements may vary by program cycle. Please review the current application for specific details.

Does this program qualify for community service hours?

Yes. Students can earn 15 or more community service hours by completing the program. AIM tracks attendance and can provide documentation of verified program hours.

Students seeking credit through their school should confirm their school’s community service requirements before the program begins. Additional hours may be available for approved program activities completed outside of the weekly sessions.

How long is AIM Ideas Lab, and what are the participation requirements?

AIM Ideas Lab includes 10 weekly sessions. Each session is 90 minutes, for a total of 15 hours of live programming. Cohorts typically meet virtually during evenings or weekends.

Students are expected to:

Attend and actively participate in weekly sessions.
Collaborate with their Mentor and fellow cohort members.
Contribute to the design and distribution of a peer-to-peer mental health needs assessment.
Participate in analyzing the results and developing youth-led recommendations.
Complete required program activities and a one-page findings report.
Communicate with their mentor if they will miss a session and complete any required make-up work.

Specific attendance and completion requirements will be shared with students before the program begins.

Is AIM Ideas Lab free?

There is no cost for students to participate in AIM Ideas Lab.

AIM works with participating schools, districts, and community organizations to support program implementation.

Can I apply with friends or classmates?

Yes! We encourage interested high school students to apply and invite their friends or classmates to apply as well. Each student must submit their own application, and participation is based on eligibility, available cohort space, and the requirements of the current program cycle.

Whenever possible, students from the same school may be placed together, but cohort placement is not guaranteed.

What technology is needed to participate in AIM Ideas Lab?

For virtual cohorts, students need:

A computer or tablet with reliable internet access.
A working microphone and camera.
Access to Zoom.
A Google account to access Google Classroom and program materials.
The ability to access online tools such as Google Docs, Google Forms, and Miro.

A computer or tablet is strongly recommended because completing research activities and collaborating on documents may be difficult on a phone. Students who anticipate technology or internet-access barriers should contact AIM before the program begins so the team can discuss available support.

AIM Ideas Lab

Here’s what the 2026 AIM Ideas Lab youth researchers found…

75.4%

52.4%

71.9%

High School Students

AIM Ideas Lab Program Objectives

Bringing AIM Ideas Lab into Schools and Communities

Frequently Asked Questions

2024 AIM Ideas Lab Research Reports

2023 AIM Ideas Lab Research Reports

Quick Links:

AIM Youth Mental Health is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID: #47-3992060