YMCA Youth Advocacy Academy
Turn Your Passion Into Action
Are you ready to make a real difference? The YMCA Center for Youth Voice is launching the Youth Advocacy Academy, a transformative 7-month program designed for students who want to move beyond talking about problems to actually solving them.
The Youth Advocacy Academy (YAA) empowers teens with real-world advocacy skills, professional connections, and leadership experience that will benefit them in college applications and beyond. This competitive program selects only 30 students statewide to participate in a blend of virtual sessions, immersive experiences, and hands-on advocacy work from October 2025 through May 2026.
Why Join the Youth Advocacy Academy?
Real Impact, Real Skills
You won't just learn about advocacy, you'll DO advocacy. Working on actual legislation and community issues that matter to them, students develop practical skills in: policy research, public speaking and coalition building.
Connections That Count
Students work directly with YMCA leaders, government affairs professionals, elected officials, and professional advocates. These aren't just networking opportunities, they're mentorship opportunities that can shape your teen's future.
Leadership Experience That Stands Out
College admissions officers and employers recognize authentic leadership experience. YAA participants graduate with concrete accomplishments, professional references, and a portfolio of real advocacy work.
Program Structure and Benefits
The YMCA has been empowering young people for over 175 years. The YMCA Center for Youth Voice continues this tradition by giving teens the tools, connections, and platform to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Kick-Off Workshop
Half-day in-person experience in October where students connect with fellow advocates from across Minnesota and begin their advocacy journey.
Monthly Virtual Sessions
90-minute focused workshops on advocacy themes including policy research, public speaking, and campaign planning designed to accommodate busy schedules.
Day at the Capitol
Students present their work directly to legislators, witnessing government in action and experiencing the real impact of advocacy firsthand.
Shadow a Lobbyist
Exclusive opportunity through partnership with Minnesota Governmental Relations Council, providing insider perspective on professional advocacy.
Celebration
End-of-year showcase celebrating student accomplishments with family, community leaders, and program partners.
Application Details
The application for the 2025-2026 cohort is now closed.
The competitive selection process will only accept up to 30 students statewide.
Program Fee (due upon registration if accepted, no deposit required to apply): $349
Questions? Reach out to Mike Dean at mike.dean@ymcanorth.org or James Farnsworth at james.farnsworth@ymcamn.org.
