Shaping Futures: Mental Health Leaders of Tomorrow
Shaping Futures is a FREE program for rising high school seniors who are interested in learning more about mental health and careers that help people.
Students will have the opportunity to explore different mental and behavioral health careers, connect with professionals and mentors, develop important career skills, and learn what it takes to pursue a future in the field.
The program includes activities throughout the school year and culminates in a five-day, hands-on immersive experience at LSU’s main campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During the summer experience, students will get an inside look at college life and mental health careers while building friendships and connections with other students who share their interests.
Shaping Futures is designed to help students discover their potential, explore career possibilities, and take the next steps toward a future in mental and behavioral health.
There is no cost for students to participate.
Pre-Immersion Phase | February - May 2027
Before the summer experience, students will participate in interactive monthly online meetings with Shaping Futures staff to help them prepare for their Shaping Futures journey.
During this phase, students will:
- Explore mental and behavioral health careers and learn about the many ways they can make a difference in people’s lives.
- Discover college and career pathways and learn what to expect as they prepare for life after high school.
- Identify their interests and goals and begin creating a plan for their future.
- Get ready for the summer immersive experience, including learning what to expect and how to make the most of their time on the LSU campus.
This phase provides students with the knowledge, support, and confidence they need to make the most of their summer experience and begin thinking about their future careers.
Immersive Experience | June 2027
The five-day Shaping Futures Immersive Experience gives students the opportunity to step into the world of mental and behavioral health while experiencing college life at LSU’s main campus in Baton Rouge.
Students will learn from professionals, explore career options, build relationships with mentors, and participate in hands-on activities that connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
Camp Structure
The Shaping Futures Summer Immersive Experience will be offered through two one-week camp sessions. 100 high school students will participate in a one-week session, for a total of 200 students across both sessions.
Session I
Sunday, June 6 - Thursday, June 10, 2027
Session II
Sunday, June 13 - Thursday, June 17, 2027
Each one-week camp session will include:
- 100 high school students who are interested in exploring mental and behavioral health careers
- 1 Community Director, 2 Circle Leaders, and 12 Program Guides who will provide mentorship, guidance, supervision, and support throughout the week.
Each session will give students the opportunity to experience college life, explore mental and behavioral health careers, connect with professionals and mentors, participate in hands-on activities, and build relationships with other students who share their interests.
During the five-day experience, students will:
- Learn through interactive workshops designed to introduce students to mental and behavioral health topics and careers.
- Experience college life while exploring higher education opportunities and learning how to prepare for success in college.
- Meet mental and behavioral health professionals through career panels, guest speakers, and conversations with people working in the field.
- Work together and build leadership skills through hands-on group activities, teamwork, and mentorship.
- Discover their interests and strengths through guided reflection and career exploration activities.
Who Can Apply?
Students interested in exploring a future in mental and behavioral health are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must:
- Be a rising high school junior or senior (Class of 2028 or 2029).
- Be interested in learning more about mental and behavioral health careers.
- Be willing to participate in the full Shaping Futures program, including the February–May 2027 Pre-Immersion Phase and one full week of the Summer Immersive Experience.
- Be willing to participate in program meetings, workshops, career exploration activities, and group experiences.
- Complete and submit the online application by Friday, November 13, 2026.
- Submit all required application materials, including:
- Most recent report card
- Teacher's email address so we can request a recommendation
- 1-minute “All About Me” video
How to Apply
Ready to be part of Shaping Futures? Applying is easy!
Step 1: Complete the Application
Click the application link below and complete the online application.
Step 2: Submit Your Required Materials
As part of your application, you will need to provide:
- Your most recent report card
- A teacher's email address so we can request a recommendation
- A 1-minute "All About Me" video - Tell us about yourself, your interests, your goals, and why you are interested in exploring mental and behavioral health careers
Application Deadline - Friday, November 13, 2026
Click Here to Apply for Shaping Futures
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no cost for selected students to participate in Shaping Futures.
Yes. Meals will be provided during the Summer Immersive Experience.
Yes. On-campus housing will be provided for students participating in the Summer Immersive Experience.
Upon request, transportation to and from the Summer Immersive Experience may be provided.
Students and families will be responsible for bringing personal items such as bedding, toiletries, medications, and spending money. All required program materials and activities will be provided at no cost to participating students. Additional details will be provided if selected.
When you apply, you will have the opportunity to select your preferred camp session. We will do our best to honor your preference; however, session placement will depend on availability and the number of students selected for each session.
The experience will take place on the LSU Main Campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Yes! Students participating in the Summer Immersive Experience will stay in on-campus housing.
No! Previous experience is not required. We are looking for students who are curious, motivated, and interested in learning.
Applications will be reviewed by the Shaping Futures team. Selected students and their families will receive additional information about the program, required forms, and next steps.
Questions?
Email us at shapingfutures@lsu.edu