Mental illnesses are often deemed low in health priority despite their large burden of disease. Because many chronic mental illnesses have early onset, youth present a high-risk cohort for disproportionate health burden. Stigma and literacy are two potential barriers to care, so pre-K to 12 schools offer an efficient platform for disseminating mental health promotion interventions. Integrated Science Education Outreach (InSciEd Out) is one such pre-K to 12 program that harnesses science education as an early intervention for disease behaviors. The thesis herein presents evaluation of a translational effort to address adolescent mental health from community to bench and back to the community again. Chapter I reviews the state of mental health and mental healthcare, with a focus upon interventions to address adolescent mental health and a discussion of the intersection between psychiatric and substance use disorders. Chapter II presents proof of concept of InSciEd Out's capacities in knowledge transfer, as measured through improved student science standardized testing post- InSciEd Out implementation. Chapter III extends science literacy gains to evaluate InSciEd Out-facilitated effects in alternative middle school students' mental health literacy, openness to share, and hypothetical mental health help-seeking behavioral intentions. Chapter IV investigates community-driven interest in the intersection between psychiatric conditions and nicotine addiction through identification of FDA-approved psychiatric drugs with potential repurposed efficacy in nicotine cessation. Chapter V summarizes research findings, discusses their significance and broader impact, and shares future directions in InSciEd Out's push toward improved mental health for all. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]