Leading Inclusion Across Campus and Competition

High school Unified Champion Schools provide students with meaningful opportunities to lead, compete, and create lasting change within their school communities. Through Unified sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement, students take an active role in shaping a culture of inclusion.

A cornerstone of high school programming is the Youth Activation Committee (YAC), where Unified pairs work together to identify needs within their schools, develop inclusion initiatives, and serve as ambassadors for the Unified movement. YAC members have opportunities to collaborate with students from across Idaho, attend leadership events, and help guide the future of Unified Champion Schools.

High school students also have access to expanded Unified sports opportunities through Special Olympics Idaho's partnership with the Idaho High School Activities Association. This partnership provides students the opportunity to compete in sanctioned Unified events and experience some of the same competitive environments as traditional high school athletics, including state-level competitions and championship events.

Through these experiences, students develop leadership, teamwork, advocacy, and communication skills that extend far beyond graduation.