Young Kentuckians Advocacy Program

Program Description

Young Kentuckians Advocacy Program, or YKAP, is a statewide advocacy training program for students grades 6-12 in Kentucky. As a hybrid program, with five virtual sessions and two in-person sessions, YKAP breaks down barriers of distance and time, providing a space for our Commonwealth’s brightest and boldest young minds to connect and work together to expand their abilities to make a positive change in their state and local communities. Through an advanced curriculum of workshops, networking, and special projects, YKAP student advocates develop real world skills, and work towards real world action.

Check out the YKAP Brochure

Registration

Registration Closed.

Check back soon for YKAP updates!

Program Structure

YKAP 2024 consists of 7 sessions over the course of 2 months. Each session is an hour and a half long, and sessions will occur every week. The 5 sessions will be held virtually with the second and the final sessions in-person at a central location in the state.

Dates:

Session 1 - February 21, 2024
Session 2 - February 24, 2024
Session 3 - February 28, 2024
Session 4 - March 6, 2024
Session 5 - March 13, 2024
Session 6 - March 20, 2024
Session 7 - March 23, 2024

Important Documents

Code of Conduct for In-Person Meetings:
Code of Conduct

Student Pick Up Release Form
Authorized Student Pick-Up Release Form

Covid Waiver:
COIVD Waiver Form

YKAP program fee – $150 ($135 for Student Y members. Total fees listed include all processing fees).
Payment must be made at the time of registration.

Scholarships are available for this program and you can find information for that here: Scholarship Info

Program Curriculum

  • Learning about state and local issues
  • Developing skills in research
  • Building advocacy skills
  • Understanding of government policy systems
  • Networking and coalition building with peers
  • Special guest and policy expert visits including mentoring
  • Building a resume of tangible advocacy work
  • Working towards concrete change
  • Building confidence in public speaking and communication

Past Projects

Wondering what to expect as a YKAP participant? Take a look below at projects created in this program during previous years:

Project: Adolescent Mental Health Crisis in Kentucky
Participant: Connor Brumley (2022)

Project: Sustainable Approaches to Food Desert Relief
Participant: 
Josie Martin (2022)

Project: Allowing Outdoor Time in Public School Curriculum
Participant:
Jack Riley (2022)

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