Investing in the Next Generation of Community Leaders
Across Missouri, young people are growing up in a time of big challenges and ongoing conversations about the future that can feel overwhelming. But they’re also growing up with creativity, optimism, and a deep desire to make a difference.
That’s why Build Missouri Health created the Youth Community Leaders Program — to give young people the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to turn their ideas into action and create the solutions to the challenges they see in their own hometowns.
Empowering Youth to Lead Change
Through the program, youth ages 16–26 will design and lead their own community-driven sustainability projects that strengthen local resilience and improve health outcomes in their hometowns. From creating school recycling programs to planting community gardens, participants will decide what their community needs most — and learn how to bring it to life.
Starting with a cohort of 10-12 youth in Northwest Missouri in 2026, BMH will provide training and mentorship in leadership, project management, communications, and advocacy. Each participant will also receive up to a $2,000 stipend to support their project and their own learning journey.
“We want to help young people see that they have the power to shape the future of their communities — starting right where they are,” said Maria Nunes, Project and Relationships Associate at Build Missouri Health.
Each project will not only improve the places where youth live, learn, and play — it will also build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the program itself.
Your support doesn’t just fund a project — it invests in the next generation of local leaders who will carry forward the work of community health and resilience for years to come.
💚 Donate today to support youth-led action and learning in Northwest Missouri.
That’s why Build Missouri Health created the Youth Community Leaders Program — to give young people the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to turn their ideas into action and create the solutions to the challenges they see in their own hometowns.
Empowering Youth to Lead Change
Through the program, youth ages 16–26 will design and lead their own community-driven sustainability projects that strengthen local resilience and improve health outcomes in their hometowns. From creating school recycling programs to planting community gardens, participants will decide what their community needs most — and learn how to bring it to life.
Starting with a cohort of 10-12 youth in Northwest Missouri in 2026, BMH will provide training and mentorship in leadership, project management, communications, and advocacy. Each participant will also receive up to a $2,000 stipend to support their project and their own learning journey.
“We want to help young people see that they have the power to shape the future of their communities — starting right where they are,” said Maria Nunes, Project and Relationships Associate at Build Missouri Health.
Building Hope and Strengthening Communities
The program has two main goals:- Strengthen communities by supporting youth-led, community-driven solutions to local challenges that affect the environment and overall well-being.
- Build hope and purpose by empowering youth to become the next generation of community leaders and problem-solvers.
Each project will not only improve the places where youth live, learn, and play — it will also build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the program itself.
How You Can Help
BMH aims to support 10–12 youth projects across Northwest Missouri next year and we are actively raising funds to cover those costs. Every donation goes directly toward stipends for participants, helping them bring their ideas to life and build healthier, more sustainable communities.Your support doesn’t just fund a project — it invests in the next generation of local leaders who will carry forward the work of community health and resilience for years to come.
💚 Donate today to support youth-led action and learning in Northwest Missouri.