OPHC Director Ramjatin: Youth Ambassador Leadership Program (YALP)
Ramjatin presents YALP, launched October 2025 in partnership with NYC Public Schools, empowering youth ages 8-18 as ambassadors of inclusion. Participants receive training in leadership, civic engagement, public speaking, and restorative practices, then return to schools to lead projects and facilitate discussions.
Finally, as a critical part of our long-term prevention strategy is investing in young people.
Through our Youth Ambassador Leadership Program, or YALP.
Launched in October 2025 and in partnership with the New York City Public Schools, the Youth Ambassador Leadership Program, or YALP, empowers young people between the ages of 8 and 18 to become ambassadors of inclusion, respect, and belonging.
The program brings together youths, parents, educators,
mentors, and city leaders from across all five boroughs.
Participants receive training in
leadership, development, civic engagement, public speaking, community organizing, and restorative practices.
What makes Yale particularly powerful is that young people are not simply learning about leadership, they are practicing it.
Participants in the program return to their schools and communities to lead projects.
Facilitate discussions in their schools and communities, and serve as a positive role model for their peers.
At a time when many young people are exposed to misinformation, division, and online hate, YAL provides an opportunity to equip the next generation with the tools necessary to build stronger,
more inclusive communities.
The young people we engage today will become the community leaders, educators, public servants, business owners, and parents of tomorrow.
By teaching empathy, leadership,
civic engagement, and respect for differences.
Now, we are investing in the long-term prevention of hate and bias before it takes root.