The Youth Ambassadors program, also known as YAP, is an incredibly helpful program. YAP is a youth-centered program that provides kids with knowledge and resources for mental health. One of the main goals of the program is to break the stigma behind mental health.
Members of YAP go on yearly events to CCBC. At these events, a guest speaker talks to students about common mental health topics. This year, the middle school has had two events. During the first event, Scott Prendergast, a mental health motivational speaker, spoke to students about anxiety as well as other mental health struggles. At the second YAP event, Tre Tipton, a social work graduate student and wide receiver, talked about life challenges and how to overcome obstacles.
Speakers also give student YAP members resources if they need to reach someone. There are vendors that give out resources as well as trinkets. They provide breakfast and lunch and give time for students to walk around and interact. Participants sit at long tables covered in paper so they can draw. They will also be given items to fidget with while the speaker is talking.
YAP has a short history. YAP started about eight to nine years ago and originally only included high school students. In the years 2023-2024, the program began to include middle school students. YAP is now a program for everyone in middle through high school. YAP is for everyone; so far our middle school YAP only has three male members and would love to have more in the program.
“It promotes awareness of current issues that students face today,” said Mrs. Stewart, Prevention Specialist.
YAP is also an in-school program. Members meet during school and discuss ideas for school related activities. Chalk the Walk and Take One Leave One are some of the well-known things students do around the school.
