Too often, adults dominate the conversation around youth issues—offering solutions that don’t resonate, ignoring youth insight, or unintentionally creating harm. This dynamic leaves youth feeling disempowered and unheard. YALA flips the script. It creates a space where youth are not only listened to—they’re leading the work.

Participants leave YALA with real skills they can use in school, work, and advocacy. In fact, 94% of past participants report gaining leadership skills they can apply immediately, and many go on to lead efforts in their communities. By connecting personal growth with systemic change, YALA helps youth move from surviving to thriving—both as individuals and as movement builders.

Over the last two years, YALA has trained 102 individuals, demonstrating its effectiveness in nurturing and advancing youth leadership. By providing a collective learning experience that combines practical exercises with peer interaction, YALA equips both youth and organizations with the tools needed to foster a more inclusive and youth-driven leadership culture. This training not only enhances individual leadership capabilities but also supports organizations in developing a more youth-centered approach, thereby amplifying the impact of youth advocacy and leadership across various platforms.