Youth Advocate Program 2027

The Youth Advocate Program is a four-month civic engagement and advocacy training program that gives high school students the opportunity to share their Y story with policymakers and Members of Congress in Washington, D.C. Participants learn about the history and mission of the YMCA, what effective advocacy looks like, and how to illustrate the impact of the Y by sharing their story to advocate for the YMCA's federal policy priorities. The program includes required virtual training sessions and culminates in an in-person conference in Washington, D.C., featuring meetings on Capitol Hill, tours of historical sites, and learning sessions.