Youth Advocates for Change (YAC) is dedicated to empowering students with creative ideas and a passion for change by offering leadership opportunities, support, and resources for making an impact.
These changes come after a year of successful initiatives. “Youth Advocates for Change (YAC) has consistently been the most active community action club at our school,” club leader Nicole Angel (LP ‘26) said, pointing to several of their achievements. “[We’ve] donated 220+ coats through the Share the Warmth drive, helped raise over 1,000+ food items during our Thanksgiving drive, distributed 800+ mental health stickers during Stick With Kindness Day, supported 900+ families at a community Trunk or Treat, helped raise $15,000+ at the annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser through our bake sale where we raised $370, [and] created and donated items for Pathways and Wings shelters. These projects show how YAC transforms student energy into real community impact”, Nicole added.
Long-time club member, Gisele Wise (LP ‘26), summarized her experience in the club, calling it, “fun and impactful.” She mentioned the coat drive as her first major project. “It was the first event I ever helped organize. It’s what really started my passion for the club,” Gisele said
“I liked the idea that I could have a voice in what happens in my community. What motivates me to continue YAC is the community. YAC has allowed me to grow closer to my friends and meet new people along the way”.
The club provides many opportunities for students to prepare for challenges after high school.
“YAC involvement builds experiences that stand out on college and scholarship applications, including leadership & teamwork (leading monthly focuses, working in groups), planning & organization (developing projects from idea to execution), communication & advocacy (speaking with nonprofits, community leaders, and peers), networking (through the Kenneth Young Center’s community connections), creativity & initiative (turning your own ideas into real projects),” Nicole said.
“Through YAC, students directly help families, uplift peers, and advocate for issues like mental health, housing, and youth empowerment.”
Nicole also highlighted YAC’s relationship with the Kenneth Young Center, a major non-profit organization.
“YAC is proudly sponsored by the Kenneth Young Center. Members also gain access to a broader network of resources, volunteer opportunities, and leadership development programs that amplify their impact”.
An official representative of the Kenneth Young Center attends all club meetings.
Gissle praised YAC’s flexible nature.
“One thing I love about the club is that it’s incredibly flexible, YAC is what you make of it” and “we’re happy to have members that can help when they can,” she said.
These impressive achievements, their honest efforts, and grassroots approach prompted the club to rethink their organizational structure.
“This year, YAC is restructuring to give members more leadership opportunities: Class Vice Presidents to represent each grade and a Monthly Focus Application.”
She explained the new club opportunity being one in which, “members (individually or in groups) can apply to lead one monthly focus. If selected, you’ll be responsible for planning, organizing, and spreading your project idea with support from the club.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing how our new leadership opportunities help the club grow. By having leadership positions for each grade level I feel like there will be more ideas that can lead to new amazing projects, GIsele said.”
Nicole further explained that restructuring can get members involved in leading, creating, or assisting with projects. “This system ensures students get real ownership while working as part of a supportive team” she said. She also added that students can, “apply to lead a monthly focus (alone or with a group), share your ideas; all voices are valued and heard, volunteer at drives, campaigns, and community events, collaborate with Class Vice Presidents to run projects smoothly.”
YAC’s new structure provides club members with more opportunity, a voice, and tools for change. Building on the club’s earlier success.
“This change within the club will ensure every student’s voice can become action,” Nicole said.
