Youth Philanthropist of the Year: Madison Mohn’s Impact on Youth Mental Health in the Steamboat Springs School District

The Steamboat Springs School District (SSSD) recently received a $34,000 donation for youth mental health programming from The Madison Foundation, an organization founded by Madison Mohn, a senior at Steamboat Springs High School. She was also recently honored as the Youth Philanthropist of the Year by the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. Since its inception in 2021, The Madison Foundation has raised over $158,000, helping to address critical youth mental health needs in the community.

In August 2024, Madison organized and hosted a fundraiser with all proceeds directly supporting SSSD’s mental health outreach, addressing a vital need in the community. The fundraiser helps SSSD address student needs through providing a comprehensive mental health support system, a full array of supports and services that promotes positive school climate, social and emotional learning, and mental health and well-being, while reducing the prevalence and severity of mental illness. 

"I am very proud of the work I have done with the school district to bring mental health to the forefront of youth discussion by providing free therapists in the schools,” said Madison. “Working alongside the Steamboat Springs School district, I am able to promote my personal mission of improving the mental well-being of Steamboat’s youth. I strongly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and I strive to make a difference in any way I can."

Madison’s journey began at fourteen years old, inspired by the significant need for affordable mental health resources in her community. Through partnerships with 14 local nonprofits, she’s developed essential mental health support systems for young people. One of the foundation’s first projects was a sensory room at the Brighter World Child Advocacy Center, created with Better Tomorrow. This space provides a safe, supportive environment for children experiencing neglect or abuse.

Since then, The Madison Foundation has expanded its focus to youth mental health initiatives within schools. Madison helped fund a Preventative Social and Emotional Screening tool for middle and high school students, allowing the SSSD to further address student needs. In 2022, the foundation funded a two-year therapist contract, offering 176 hours of mental health services per year at no cost to families, which led to 247 students receiving support.

In 2023, Madison helped establish Hope Squad, a peer-led suicide prevention program at Steamboat Springs High School. This initiative helps reduce stigma around mental health, encouraging students to seek help when they need it. The 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey for Routt County highlights this need, showing that 12.9% of high school students had seriously considered suicide in the past year, and over 27% reported poor mental health in the past month.

Madison’s ongoing efforts bring meaningful change to her community, ensuring that youth in Steamboat Springs have access to crucial mental health resources. Through The Madison Foundation, she continues to inspire a culture of support and resilience.