The Younger Americans Act

The Younger Americans Act (YAA) reflects the aspirations of many in the youth development field for a National Youth Policy and for a locally driven funding stream.  The YAA was introduced in the 106th and 107th Congress.  It has not passed, but remains a goal for the National Collaboration for Youth.

The Federal Youth Coordination Act was introduced in the 108th Congress and will be reintroduced in the 109th Congress.  This bipartisan legislation was drafted in partnership with member agencies of the National Collaboration for Youth and is a response to a report issued by the White House Task Force for Disadvantaged Youth in December 2003.  The report describes the current federal response to the needs of youth as lacking in focus and recommends evaluation, coordination and improvement of federal youth-serving programs. The legislation establishes a Federal Youth Development Council to facilitate interagency collaboration, coordinate federal research, and identify and replicate model programs.  For the latest information about this Act, CLICK HERE.  

The Younger Americans Act is legislation that establishes, for the first time, a national policy for youth. It declares that young people must be assured access to five core resources and that communities must be mobilized to provide programs and services that fully prepare youth to become adults and effective citizens. Innovative mentoring programs, a wider variety of recreational programs, safe and structured afterschool activities, and community service opportunities are just a few examples of programs and services that would be eligible for funding under YAA.

Get involved!  Below is all you need to begin advocating on behalf of the Younger  Americans Act.

• Advocacy Kits Find out how to become a great advocate!  Get information about the Act, how to create and be a part of an active coalition to advocate for the YAA, how to work with your congressional representatives, and more! Try the Youth Advocacy Kit or Adult Advocacy Kit!

• Handouts Quick bits of information about the YAA to give to congressmen, senators, and anyone else - ready made!
  
  
• The Bill Read the YAA from front to back, find out what that current status is, see the statements made by to congressional sponsors, estimated allocations, and more!
  
  
• Get Connected
  Sign onto the YAA info listserv.
  
  
• Organizational Sign-On
  Lend your support to the YAA!  Have your organization sign on as a supporter.

Thanks to the Center for Youth as Resources and the National
Network for Youth for contributing content to this website.