Youth Afterschool Ambassadors
ACT Now’s Youth Afterschool Ambassadors (YAA) is an 8-month leadership program where Illinois high schoolers will develop and build upon their advocacy skills.
Apply by September 22nd, 2025!
Become a Youth Afterschool Ambassador!
Are you an Illinois high school student who is passionate about advocacy or afterschool programs?
Applications are now open for ACT Now’s Youth Afterschool Ambassadors (YAA) program, an advocacy training for Illinois high schoolers! Youth Afterschool Ambassadors will learn how to effectively communicate about their afterschool experiences with elected officials and how to use their afterschool stories to advocate for change. Participants must be Illinois high school students and must be actively participating in an afterschool program to be considered. Selected youth will participate in 12 virtual meetings over the year as well as attend ACT Now’s in-person Advocacy Day in April. Youth participating will receive a gift card of $500 for their time and $500 for their parent or caregiver.
Youth Afterschool Ambassadors will:
- Learn how to effectively communicate their afterschool experiences with elected officials
- Gain advocacy tools to explore personal issues of importance
- Join a network of youth afterschool ambassadors and connect with peers
