Hillside Horizon for Teens Scholarship

Investing in the Future of Teen Mental Health

At Hillside Horizon for Teens, we are passionate about empowering young people and changing the narrative around teen mental health. To help raise awareness and support future changemakers, we’re offering the Hillside Horizon for Teens Mental Health Scholarship.

Scholarship Details

  • Award: $600
  • Application Deadline: December 15th, 2025
  • Winner Announced: January 10th, 2026
  • Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors or college undergraduates interested in teen mental health, psychology, education, or a related field

Who Should Apply?

We encourage applications from students who:

  • Have personal experience with teen mental health issues
  • Are passionate about mental health advocacy or peer support
  • Plan to pursue a career in mental health, therapy, youth counseling, or education

Who Should Apply?

We encourage applications from students who:

  • Have personal experience with teen mental health issues
  • Are passionate about mental health advocacy or peer support
  • Plan to pursue a career in mental health, therapy, youth counseling, or education

How to Apply

Please fill out the form or email the following to scholarship@hillsidehorizon.com with the subject line: Teen Mental Health Scholarship Application – [Your Full Name]

  1. A 500–750 word essay answering:

    “How has teen mental health impacted your life or those around you, and how do you plan to improve the future of youth mental health care?”

  2. Proof of enrollment or acceptance (class schedule or acceptance letter)

  3. Your full name, contact information, and school name

Provide following details

Selection Criteria

We will select the winner based on:

  • Originality and authenticity
  • Connection to teen mental health issues
  • Commitment to future impact
  • Clarity and impact of the essay

Why This Scholarship Matters

Teen mental health needs more advocates—students who understand the challenges and want to be part of the solution. This scholarship supports your journey toward becoming a leader in the mental health space.

Questions?

Email us anytime: scholarship@hillsidehorizon.com

Together, we can shape a future where teen mental health is a priority. 🌱

What We Treat

Here to Help: Illustration of two people, one offering support to another, symbolizing assistance and resources.

Personality Disorder

Exploring how pervasive and rigid personality traits can interfere with daily functioning, potentially indicating the presence of a personality disorder.

Here to Help: Stylized vector graphic of a blue human head in profile, representing thought process or mental health support.

Anxiety

Recognizing that occasional anxiousness is a normal part of growing up, chronic and overwhelming anxiety can significantly interfere with your teen's development and daily life.

Here to Help: A supportive person comforting another, showing assistance and care with plus signs indicating positivity.

Depression

Acknowledging the normalcy of sadness and low energy in teens, while addressing signs that may indicate a more severe condition affecting daily life.

Here To Help: Blue ribbon with medical cross symbol. Healthcare support and awareness icon. Medical assistance and aid.

ADD/ADHD

Addressing one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders that can affect people of all ages, with a focus on adolescents.

Here to Help: Two interconnected head profiles, symbolizing support, collaboration, and mental health assistance.

Bipolar Disorder

Providing specialized care for teens experiencing extreme mood swings that can disrupt their daily lives.

Here to help icon: Medications and prescription. Pills and medical document icon for support and healthcare assistance.

Suicidal Ideation

Offering immediate and intensive support for teens experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Katherina M Hillside

Katherine Mendoza

Licensed Vocational Nurse LVN

I began my professional journey in the United States Navy as a Nuclear Engineer where I developed a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and service. Driven by a desire to continue making a meaningful impact, I transitioned into nursing, focusing on providing compassionate care to those in need. Over time, my passion for supporting others led to specialize in mental health, recognizing the vital role it plays in overall well-being. At Hillside Horizon for Teens, I dedicate myself to helping adolescents navigate life’s challenges and build healthier futures. My commitment to fostering growth, resilience, and healing continues to be the cornerstone of my career.

Aaron 1 Hillside Horizon

Aaron Earnest

Admissions Manager

Aaron has been working in the mental health field for over 13 years and has a passion for helping people. Previously he worked with adults for a long time and then realized he may have a greater impact with teens and made the switch a little while ago. He understands the importance of being families first voice they hear at Hillsidie Horizon and takes that role very seriously. Driven by his own issues as a kid, Aaron understands the importance of getting help and how tough the decision can be for families.

Justin C Hillside Horizon

Justin Collins

Program Director

Justin is a seasoned mental health professional with over 15 years of experience empowering adolescents through innovative behavioral health and sports programs. He began his career in Los Angeles as a CIF coach for underprivileged youth, helping lead his team to a CIF football runner-up title. In Murrieta, he took on leadership roles at Oak Grove/Jack Weaver, where he oversaw STRTP and Advanced Autism School Day Programs, managed 20+ staff, and trained teams as a certified CPI instructor. He later held key roles in the Palm Springs Unified School District. Now serving as Program Director at Hillside Horizon, Justin is known for his visionary leadership, commitment to quality care, and passion for transforming young lives.

Victor Hillside Horizon

Victor Hamaker

Program Director

With a strong commitment to supporting individuals with special needs, and at risk youth, I have built a career dedicated to advocacy and behavioral health. My journey began as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in group homes and for the local school district for both adults and adolescents with special needs, behavioral challenges, and at-risk youth. I then transitioned into behavioral health, serving as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) at Hillside Horizon, where I worked closely with at-risk youth and individuals with complex behavioral needs. I later advanced to Lead BHT and then Operations Manager. Currently, as the Program Director at Hillside Horizon, I oversee program development, staff training, and client care, ensuring high-quality services for individuals with behavioral and developmental challenges. Additionally, I support the local school district as a special needs advocate, working to enhance resources and support for students and families.

Jessica F Hillside Horizon Headshots

Jessica Flores

Director of Outreach

Driven from my own personal experience, I have found purpose in what I do in the Behavioral Health field. I started working in the industry over ten years ago as a driver and a tech. I have worked multiple roles and understand the complexities of all levels of care and positions. I continued my education and completed my Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification from Saddleback College and received my bachelor’s degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy from Arizona State University last May. I am currently the Director of Outreach at Hillside Horizon for Teens. From answering questions about the program to connecting families with resources, I enjoy being apart of our clients journey to healing!

Dr. Arlene Waldron

Clinical Director PsyD, LMFT

Dr. Arlene Waldron is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and our Clinical Director with over fifteen years of experience serving adolescents, children, and families. She holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and has led residential, school-based, and community mental health programs with a strong focus on quality care and program development. Dr. Waldron works closely with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to deliver trauma-informed, effective services. A fluent Spanish speaker and motivational leader, Dr. Waldron is deeply committed to the growth and well-being of individuals and families. She believes strong programs create meaningful change and leads Hillside Horizon’s Clinical program with a focus on excellence, accountability, and compassionate care.