The mission of AACAP’s Campaign for America’s Kids is to support innovative initiatives in education and research that improve access to mental health treatments for all children.

Two initiatives that depend on funding support from CFAK are AACAP’s Summer Medical Student Fellowship and AACAP’s Pilot Research Awards.

Since 2008, the purpose of the Summer Medical Student Fellowships program is to grow the workforce through mentorship and recruitment programs for medical students. Fellowship recipients explore a career in child and adolescent psychiatry, gain valuable work experience, and meet distinguished child and adolescent psychiatrists. Recipients receive a stipend of $3,500 to work with a child and adolescent psychiatrist mentor for 8-12 weeks on a research project in the field. This initiative impacts access to care to mental health services for children and families.

AACAP Pilot Research Award for Child Psychiatry Residents and Junior Faculty offers $15,000 for child and adolescent psychiatry residents and junior faculty who have an interest in beginning a career in child and adolescent psychiatry research. It was started in 1993, and in the more than 22 years since, there have been 180 pilot award recipients. In a recent survey of past award recipients, 61% believe the Pilot Award was highly valuable in helping them to launch their research career. The most common area of research is ADHD, but significant research areas also include autism, bipolar, and depression.

To help support these and all other CFAK funded initiatives, please donate now.