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Shaping Futures: Mental Health Leaders of Tomorrow

Explore your future in mental and behavioral health.

Shaping Futures is a free program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring careers that help people. Students connect with mental and behavioral health professionals and mentors, build career and leadership skills, and experience college life at LSU.

The program begins with interactive online activities during the spring and culminates in a five-day immersive experience on LSU's campus in Baton Rouge. Students explore career pathways, participate in hands-on activities, and build connections with other students who share their interests.

There is no cost to participate.

Shaping Futures at a Glance

Program Details Information
Who Rising high school juniors and seniors, Classes of 2028 and 2029
Cost Free
Get Ready February–May 2027
Summer Experience June 2027 at LSU
Session I June 6–10, 2027
Session II June 13–17, 2027
Application Deadline November 13, 2026
Location LSU, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Shaping Futures participants at LSU's Tiger Stadium.

 

 

Apply for Shaping Futures

Get Ready | February-May 2027

Before arriving at LSU, students will participate in interactive monthly online meetings with Shaping Futures staff. These sessions will help students:

  • Explore mental and behavioral health careers.
  • Discover college and career pathways.
  • Identify their interests, strengths, and goals.
  • Prepare for the summer experience at LSU.

Experience LSU | June 2027

During the five-day Shaping Futures Immersive Experience, students will live and learn on LSU's campus while exploring careers in mental and behavioral health.

Shaping Futures participants at the LSU Bookstore.Students will:

  • Participate in interactive workshops and hands-on activities.
  • Meet mental and behavioral health professionals.
  • Explore college and career pathways.
  • Build leadership and teamwork skills.
  • Connect with mentors and other students.
  • Experience college life at LSU.

SESSION I

June 6-10, 2027
100 students

SESSION II

June 13-17, 2027
100 students

 

Each one-week session will serve 100 high school students interested in exploring mental and behavioral health careers. Students will be supported throughout the week by Shaping Futures staff and program guides who provide mentorship, guidance and supervision.

 

Shaping Futures participants climbing the indoor UREC rock wall during a program activity.

 

Who Can Apply?

Shaping Futures is designed for students who are curious about careers in mental and behavioral health. No previous experience is required.

Applicants must:

  • Be a rising high school junior or senior (Class of 2028 or 2029).
  • Be interested in exploring mental and behavioral health careers.
  • Commit to the February–May online activities and one full summer session at LSU.
  • Submit a complete application by Friday, November 13, 2026.

What You'll Need to Apply

  • Your most recent report card.
  • Contact information for a teacher who can provide a recommendation.
  • A one-minute “All About Me” video introducing yourself, your interests, your goals, and why you're interested in exploring mental and behavioral health careers.

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.

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