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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Dear You Leadership Program is a national youth initiative empowering high school students to become mental health leaders in their communities.

Created as part of the upcoming film Dear Axel, which sheds light on the mental health crisis facing young people, this program supports high school juniors and seniors as they develop the tools to care for their mental well-being and speak up for others.

Over the course of eight months, 50 students (one from each U.S. state) will come together for monthly virtual workshops, guided discussions, and project-based leadership development, all led by industry professionals.

At its core, the Dear You Leadership Program is about connection – helping students understand that they are not alone, and that their voices have the power to change lives.

GOALS

Help students build the skills to care for themselves mentally, especially in high-pressure environments
Equip participants to become mental health advocates in their schools and local communities
Create a nationwide cohort of students dedicated to ending stigma and promoting support

FORMAT

Program Dates: September 2025 – April 2026
Participants: 50 high school juniors and seniors (1 per state)
Eligibility: Students in the U.S. entering or currently in 11th or 12th grade

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Period: July 21 – August 31, 2025 | APPLY NOW!
Early Deadline: August 17 at 11:59pm CT
Final Deadline: August 31 at 11:59pm CT
Interview Period: September 2–7, 2025
Finalists Announced: September 15, 2025
Program Kickoff: Week of September 22, 2025

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are now open. You’ll be able to submit either:

A short written application OR
A 2-minute video introducing yourself and your passion for mental health

Our team has worked with:

Kevin Hines, an award-winning mental health advocate, best-selling author, and suicide prevention speaker. After surviving a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000, Kevin has dedicated his life to sharing his story and spreading hope. He is the author of Cracked, Not Broken and the subject of the documentary Suicide: The Ripple Effect. Kevin travels globally to educate communities on mental health, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Dr. Karl Kuhnert, a professor of the practice at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, specializing in leadership development, ethical decision-making, and organizational behavior. With a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology, Dr. Kuhnert has consulted for major corporations and government agencies, helping leaders cultivate authenticity and emotional intelligence. His research explores how leaders grow and the psychological foundations of transformational leadership.
Ian Sandler, Co‑Founder & Board Chair of Riley’s Way Foundation, which he launched in 2014 with his wife Mackenzie to honor the legacy of their daughter, Riley Hannah Sandler. The Foundation empowers young leaders through kindness and empathy across national programs (e.g., Call for Kindness, Youth Leadership Retreat). Academically, he holds a BGS from the University of Michigan and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania. Professionally, Ian serves as Managing Director & COO at Insight Partners (joined in 2016), overseeing functions such as legal, finance, compliance, investor relations, IT, HR, and the new public equities initiative. Previously, he held leadership roles at Citadel, Carlyle Group, Morgan Stanley, and worked as a bankruptcy attorney.

And we will bring in the best and the brightest in the mental health field for the 2025-2026 cohort of the Dear You Leadership Program.

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