YBLA Ambassadors

About our Ambassador Program

The YBLA Ambassador Program is a competitive 12-month leadership experience that equips high school students to lead with confidence, serve with purpose, and prepare for college and beyond.

Ambassadors receive leadership coaching, participate in college-readiness programming, explore higher-education opportunities through college tours, and develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Students also have the opportunity to serve abroad in Belize and connect with peers from across the region.

Parents remain engaged throughout the journey with dedicated workshops, college-planning resources, and family-focused events, creating a shared pathway to future success.

As an Ambassador, you will:

Travel internationally to Belize, serving abroad while broadening your worldview.
Serve locally through impactful community projects and initiatives that create real change.
Sharpen your leadership skills with hands-on training, personal coaching, and real-world experiences.
Build confidence as a communicator with Toastmasters certification and the opportunity to step onto a TEDx stage.
Join a powerful network of high-achieving, like-minded Black leaders who share your vision and drive.
Attend monthly College Prep Workshops designed to help navigate the admissions process and make informed college decisions.

Explore the Ambassador Experience

Program Completion Achievements

Journey of a YBLA Ambassador

YBLA College Prep Academy

Eligibility Requirements

Defining Achievements of a YBLA Ambassador

Upon completion of the program, these are the key outcomes:

Complete a local Impact Project

Become a TEDx Speaker

Achieve Toastmasters Certification

Build a network of like-minded peers

Serve in Belize

College Readiness

Your Journey Starts Here

What Does a YBLA Ambassador Do?

The YBLA Ambassador Program nurtures growth, impact, and opportunity. As an Ambassador, you’ll travel, serve communities, and connect with other driven students who share your vision. On top of all that, you will build confidence on stage, gain once-in-a-lifetime experiences abroad, and earn the Ambassador Blazer that marks you as a leader ready to take on the future.

Toastmasters Certification and Showcase

Toastmasters Training – Ambassadors begin their journey mastering public speaking.
Communication Skills – Learn to communicate with clarity, confidence, and influence.
Showcase Weekend – Training culminates in a speech showcase that:
- Sharpens speaking skills
- Builds stage presence
- Equips Ambassadors to inspire others

TEDx Presentation

Find Your Voice – Share your story, leadership journey, and the impact you made on the TEDx stage.
Inspire Others – Use your experiences to motivate and empower others to lead and serve.
Transformational Moment – Develop compassion and understand the importance of serving others.

National Cultural Experience

Expand Leadership Capacity – Travel to significant destinations across the country that strengthen leadership skills, build confidence, and inspire community impact.
Cultural Awareness – Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, histories, perspectives, and experiences.
Service – Engage in meaningful service projects that address local community needs and create positive change.

The Belize Experience

Service Abroad Trip to Belize – Ambassadors serve families, help build a home, and gain a global perspective.
Leadership Through Fundraising – Develop leadership skills, confidence, getting past no, persistence, follow-up, and gratitude.
Transformational Impact – Return with deeper confidence, perspective, and purpose to lead with courage and compassion.

College Readiness

Plan With Purpose - Get personalized college guidance and build a plan for success.
Unlock Opportunities - Access scholarships, resources, and financial literacy tools.
Prepare With Confidence - Participate in college and parent workshops and virtual sessions to navigate the journey together.

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Legacy Building

Replace Your Seat – Recruit and encourage future leaders to join the YBLA community and continue the mission.
Influence – Share your leadership journey to inspire, motivate, and impact others.
Blazer Ceremony – Celebrate your legacy by passing the torch to the next generation and donning the blazer as a symbol of your leadership and lasting impact.

YBLA College Prep

An exclusive resource to guide Ambassadors and families through the college process

Once selected into the Ambassador program, you will have the option to join YBLA College Prep Academy, designed to give Ambassadors and their parents an edge in the college application process.

This optional program provides comprehensive guidance, from one-on-one advising to test preparation, ensuring you have the tools and support you need to succeed.

The program includes:

Monthly college preparation workshops
One-on-one college advising by appointment
Drop-in office hours for quick questions
ACT & SAT preparation
Access to external scholarships and YBLA college scholarships
Parent-Specific Support: Virtual workshops designed to help parents support their student's college journey.

*College workshop dates will be made available after acceptance.

Note: There is no attendance requirement for this program.

Ambassador Eligibility Requirements

Black male or female

Currently in 11th grade

Reside in the Charlotte or Atlanta metro areas

Leadership readiness – willingness to grow and take initiative

Social readiness – ability to collaborate and work in teams

Willingness to speak in front of large crowds

Available to participate in YBLA mandatory events*

Minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.0

Willing to fundraise and travel to Belize