YMCA Youth Advocate Program Grant

The YMCA Youth Advocate Program empowers high school students to advocate for YMCA priorities in Washington, D.C. This four-month program offers advocacy training, allowing participants to connect with peers, create advocacy plans, and meet with congressional offices. Students gain real-world experience in influencing policy while promoting positive change in their communities. Eligibility includes being a current YMCA member and being available for key meetings and webinars. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are prioritized to enhance diversity and representation.

Youth Advocate Program Overview
Now in its 11th year, the Youth Advocate Program brings high school students to Washington, D.C. to advocate for YMCA priorities alongside their local Y leaders during National Advocacy Days. This four-month advocacy training program gives students the opportunity to elevate their voice on issues important to the Y and provides students with practical, real-world experience advocating with Members of Congress and their offices in Washington, D.C.
During the Youth Advocate Program, students will:

• Learn about the Y’s federal policy priorities and their importance to your community
• Connect with peers from across the country interested in making positive change
• Collaborate with local Ys and state alliances to craft an advocacy plan
• Learn how to effectively tell your YMCA story to policymakers
• Meet with Congressional offices in Washington, D.C. to advance YMCA priorities
• Learn strategies to continue advocating for positive change in your community and state

Eligibility

Who should apply to the Youth Advocate Program?
High school students interested in gaining practical advocacy experience should consider applying. Students new to the Y are eligible to apply, as long as they are a member or participant in a YMCA program.Interested students must review the following criteria before applying:Must be available to join in-person meetings from March 2-5Must be available to join virtual webinars on Sundays from 4:00-5:00pm ET on 11/17, 12/15, 1/26, and 2/23.Must be a current YMCA member or program participantMust be mature, motivated, and comfortable sharing their Y storiesMust be interested in serving as advocates and leaders in their communityMust be passionate about representing the Y on a national levelCurrent 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students will be given preference.Y-USA is looking for student representation that reflects all dimensions of diversity
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

Past Youth Advocate participants are NOT eligible to apply.No additional materials outside of the application will not be considered to ensure an equitable process for all students.