Mind4Youth

On March 26, Mind4Youth Executive Director Sarah Shelke was recognized at Princeton University as a recipient of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations for her leadership in advancing racial equity in access to mental health care through Mind4Youth. This prestigious award is presented annually by Princeton University’s regional alumni committees to a select group of students across the country who demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting racial understanding.

Shelke was one of two winners in the San Francisco region, receiving a $2,500 scholarship as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to Princeton University to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race. She was recognized for co-founding and leading Mind4Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to culturally competent mental health resources for youth of color and addressing stigma within underserved communities. Under her leadership, the organization has impacted over 200,000 youth and expanded access to mental health support through large-scale programs and partnerships with organizations like the United Nations and Better Help.

A highlight of the symposium for Shelke was the opportunity to connect with a talented and diverse group of students from across the nation, all united by their commitment to racial equity. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “Learning about the work other students were accomplishing showed me how deeply rooted racial injustice is across various fields, from access to technology to inequities within the education system. At the same time, their work gave me hope and inspiration, reminding me that advancing racial equity is a collective effort and that young people have the power to truly make a difference.”

Looking ahead, Shelke plans to continue expanding Mind4Youth’s initiatives, including its HeartCare and PageCare programs, to reach more communities where cultural stigma continues to prevent young people of color from seeking mental health support.