Step into a Circle Built to Move You Forward  

Become a YBLA Ambassador

About our Ambassador Program

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

Ambassadors gain unique opportunities to travel for service projects, connect with like-minded peers from across the region, and build a strong foundation for college readiness. Throughout the program, they receive personal leadership coaching, participate in transformative experiences that sharpen communication and influence, and develop the skills needed to create lasting impact in their schools and communities.

Parents are engaged along the journey through dedicated events and programming, ensuring this is a shared experience of growth and 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.

Explore the Ambassador Experience

Program Completion Achievements

Journey of a YBLA Ambassador

YBLA College Prep Academy

Eligibility Requirements

Program Schedule

Application & Selection Process

Join Interest Meeting

Apply Now

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

Earn their Ambassador Blazer

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

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.

Impact Project & TEDx Speech

Impact Project – Ambassadors design and implement a capstone project that creates a positive impact in their community.
TEDx Presentation – Share their story and the difference they made on the TEDx stage.
Transformational Moment – Ambassadors develop compassion and understand the importance of serving others and making a positive impact in the world.

The Blazer Ceremony

Blazer Ceremony – Signature event marking the culmination of the Ambassador journey.
Symbol of Leadership – The blazer represents impact, influence, and legacy.
Multilevel Impact – Ambassadors become leaders who influence others to replace their seat.

YBLA College Prep Academy

ADDED

BONUS

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 parent workshops held in February, July, and September

*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

Committed to leading and recruiting others to leave a lasting legacy in YBLA

*Mandatory events include: Orientation, Leadership Launch Weekend, Toastmasters Weekend, Service Abroad in Belize, Sr. Impact TEDx Presentation, and Blazer Ceremony Weekend.

Please see the schedule below for specific details.

Program Schedule

Here is a brief overview of the upcoming year.

The application process begins during a student’s junior year, and the program runs through senior year.

The Ambassador program requires attendance; events marked in green indicate mandatory participation and may involve travel.

Although full dates, times, and details will be available in the YBLA Mobile App, you can also download the complete schedule as a single document below.

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