Youth Leadership Academy

Thank you for your interest in the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA)! At this time, we are planning on hosting the YLA in-person in Washington D.C. on July 26 to July 29, 2021.

The virtual YLA will include interactive workshops, opportunities to learn from activists and influencers, small-group discussions, mentoring and fun activities! We highly encourage you to apply and participate in this unique experience. Leaders like you are the ones who make a difference during difficult times.

Join us

Apply to the 2021 YLA virtual event today!

Apply now

Are you a motivated high school student who’s ready to lead social change and help create an equal world?

Plan International USA (Plan) is looking for young change-makers who want to learn more about global issues and civic engagement. If this sounds like you, the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) will be a highly transformative experience.

What is the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA)?

The four-day program includes interactive workshops on topics such as climate change and gender equality; learning from youth advocates and influencers; and networking with other aspiring youth activists to tackle social issues on a local and global scale. The 2021 YLA will be held virtually.

  • At the YLA, we’ll help you:
  • Develop your personal leadership style.
  • Unpack and understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Learn how to advocate for yourself and the social issues you care about.
  • Gain expertise in designing and implementing projects.
  • Make lifelong friends with like-minded participants and members of the international development community.

After the YLA, you will become part of Plan’s national network of youth leaders, media influencers and international development experts, all of whom are committed to social impact! You will implement your Leadership Development Plan (LDP) during the 2021/22 academic year on an SDG of your choice with help from a Plan mentor. This is a perfect opportunity to expand your skills while preparing for college and beyond. Your LDP can also be used for high capstone projects or service-learning credit.

Alumni say the YLA …

    • Increased their confidence to advocate for issues they care about.

Improved their ability to take on leadership and advocacy roles within their community.

Was a good way to meet and network with other young activists and change-makers.

Application deadline:

The 2021 YLA application will open with priority deadline on April 16, 2021 and general deadline on May 14, 2021. We will accept applications on a rolling basis until the close of the applicaton on July 1, 2021.

Apply today
YLA Video
YLA In NYC

Snapshot of virtual program

The YLA virtual program will include a highly interactive and fun agenda that utilizes easy-to-use virtual platforms to ensure you have an engaging virtual experience.

YLA Virtual Snapshot
After The YLA

After the YLA

After the YLA, you will be supported and engaged by a Plan Youth Advisory Board mentor, who will support you as you implement your LDP.

After the YLA