ILR High Road Ithaca Fellowship
Mental Health Association in Tompkins County

ILR High Road New York is statewide program that aims to teach ILR students practical methods for civic & community engagement and leadership. The High Road Ithaca Program offers students paid community engaged internships with partner organizations committed to social and environmental justice, diversity and equity, access and education in Ithaca and surrounding areas during the fall or spring semesters. Students work 5-10 hours a week and participate in critical reflection activities throughout the semester.

The Tompkins County chapter of the Mental Health Association was established in 1954, to address mental health needs in the Ithaca community. Our organization is 1 of 25 affiliates of the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) ​and 1 of the 140+ national affiliates of Mental Health America (MHA). Today the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County continues this legacy through a peer-led model of support, grounded in the belief that lived experience is a powerful source of hope, understanding, and change.

Our programs are led by trained Peer Specialists and Peer Advocates, individuals who have navigated their own journeys with mental health, substance use recovery or supporting a loved one through behavioral health challenges. Because of this shared experience, peers are able to build trust, reduce stigma, and meet people where they are with compassion and respect.

Through peer counseling and navigation, recovery and justice support, family peer support, community education and our drop-in program, we provide services to about 1500 people a year. People can access support without judgment, diagnosis requirements, or barriers.

Mission: As a team of Peer Specialists, we draw on our lived experience and specialized training to empower individuals, families, and groups through peer support, advocacy and the provision of services which promote mental health recovery, prevention of mental illness, and early intervention. 

We advocate for the human and civil rights of people with mental health concerns on the community level through educational programs and community conversations about mental health issues, barriers to accessing support, and combating the social stigma around mental health issues.

Marketing and Communications Intern:

MHATC is seeking a creative and motivated college student to develop a marketing and communications project designed to increase community awareness of our programs and services. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing, social media strategy, content creation, community engagement, and public relations.

The intern will work to develop and implement marketing initiatives that highlight the impact of peer support and mental health services in our community.

Responsibilities

The Marketing and Communications Intern may assist with:

• Developing and implementing a marketing plan for MHATC programs and events
• Creating content for social media platforms, newsletters, and the agency website
• Designing promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, and digital graphics
• Assisting with storytelling initiatives that highlight participant success stories and recovery journeys
• Supporting outreach efforts to community partners, colleges, and local organizations
• Helping track marketing metrics and evaluate campaign effectiveness
• Assisting with event promotion and community awareness campaigns
• Creating a final project or marketing portfolio showcasing completed work and recommendations

Qualifications

Preferred candidates will:

• Have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Be comfortable using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Canva
• Demonstrate creativity, initiative, and attention to detail
• Have an interest in mental health, community engagement, or nonprofit work
• Be able to work independently while collaborating with agency staff