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Teen Advisory Council Mission Statement

The Teen Advisory Council (TAC)of UCLA’s Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for the mental health and well-being of high school students by providing opportunities to create meaningful programs that engage, empower and support peers, as well as interact with mental health professionals.

We are excited to partner with high school students who are interested in mental health and neuroscience.

Members of the Teen Advisory Council will:

  • Meet UCLA junior and senior faculty for mentorship and internship opportunities and to learn about career paths in neuroscience and related fields

  • Help create a community of like-minded young people interested in mental health and neuroscience

  • Be advocates for mental health and ambassadors for Friends of Semel and UCLA neuroscience

  • Help spread the word in schools and communities about the free and virtual Open Mind community lecture and film series that brings together thought leaders in science and culture for meaningful and relevant discussions about mental health issues and about the Open Mind Film Festival for high school students

  • Promote mental wellness in schools, communities, and on social media to help raise awareness of mental health issues unique to Gen Z's and erase the stigma of mental illness

  • Advise the Board of The Friends on programming about mental health issues important to Gen Z's and share unique experiences and challenges in a supportive environment

  • Create an Open Mind program "by teens and for teens”

If you are interested in joining the Teen Advisory Council,
please complete this brief online application:
Eligibility is limited to rising 9th-11th grade students.
Rising seniors are not eligible at this time.

If you have any questions you may contact Wendy Kelman, Executive Director,  Friends of Semel at:

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