Writing Intern: Teen Mental Health Topics

The mission of the Identity Writing Internship is to highlight teen mental and emotional health struggles that are neglected by traditional publications.

Student writers from across the US are invited to explore their own lived experiences, or common experiences within their communities, by contributing to Supportiv’s Identity article collection (formerly Supportiv AMPLIFY).

We’ve created an internship for student writers who are interested in addressing teen mental health topics that are impacted by identity. Writers representing the following identities and experiences are especially encouraged to apply:

• Black, Hispanic, or Indigenous identity
• Having English as your second language
• Refugee experiences
• Religious trauma
• Dealing with parents’ substance abuse
• Growing up in a rural area
• Threatened physical safety on-campus (fights, gun violence, etc.)

Building a published writing portfolio is important for future career development, and we want to amplify the voices of folks who can speak on these topics.

Hi! We’re Supportiv, the digital peer support network for mental health and wellness. We connect people going through similar struggles so they can support each other, and we break down complex emotional issues into understandable, practical, tactical, how-to articles.

The goal of all Supportiv’s articles is to walk readers through the validation, knowledge, and ideas they need to feel self-empowered through struggles. The Identity collection specifically seeks to explore under-represented, marginalized, or vulnerable perspectives intertwined with mental health.

College students who can speak to the intricacies of teen mental health.

Writers representing the following identities and experiences are especially encouraged to apply:

• Black, Hispanic, or Indigenous identity
• Learning English as a second language
• Refugee experiences
• Religious trauma
• Dealing with parents’ substance abuse
• Growing up in a rural area
• Threatened physical safety on-campus (fights, gun violence, etc.)

Over the course of 4 weeks, interns will produce a comprehensive article to be published on Supportiv’s website.

An introductory Zoom meeting with Supportiv’s Content Director will provide an overview of expectations, timeline, and other details.

Interns will complete 1-3 rounds of edits with editorial lead, via Zoom and email.

Each intern will receive a stipend and a byline on Supportiv.com. Backlinks to the author’s personal site also available.

• Your article topic must apply to an under-represented teen struggle or perspective (i.e. there aren’t a ton of existing articles for teens on this topic)
• Your article will help teen readers feel understood, and provide ideas for moving forward through the struggle in question
• You will research and reference credible sources
• You will solicit and incorporate firsthand input (recorded interview or quotes to back up or provide context for your points, actionable tips/suggestions from experts, etc – we are open to creative ideas!)
• 1000-2000 words

• Prepare your article pitch(es) using the template provided below
• Complete the Google Form application here: https://forms.gle/Vq7XoySpuUvLuC1t8
• Upload requested pitch materials to the Google Form

Pitch template:

Your article should speak to a mental health topic, within the context of marginalized identity or vulnerable group membership.

Your pitch should include:

• Sample title and 3-5 main questions your article will answer
• What specific audience are you speaking to? Who is the reader you’re writing to?
• What will your article add to the existing conversation (or lack thereof) about this topic?
• Who will you contact for firsthand quotes, actionable advice, etc? Realistically, how will you reach them?

You may attach multiple topic pitches to your application. Each pitch should include the above elements.

NOTE: You must have a Google account to apply and fill out the application. You can create a Gmail email account for free online.