What is the Youth Activation Committee?

The Youth Activation Committee, “YAC,” is a statewide leadership program that empowers Unified Pairs of students with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities to promote inclusion, lead Unified Champion Schools initiatives, and create lasting positive change in their schools and communities. Each participating high school is encouraged to establish its own school based Youth Activation Committee, led by a selected Unified Pair. Together, these student leaders work with their UCS Liaison to plan inclusive events, engage their peers, and strengthen their school's Unified program throughout the year. The Unified Pair also serves as their school's representative on the State Youth Activation Committee.

What is a State YAC?

A State Youth Activation Committee is a team of student leaders with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities from across Idaho who work together to promote inclusion and create positive change in their schools and communities. State YAC members connect through virtual meetings, email, social media, statewide events, and the annual Youth Summit to share ideas, develop leadership skills, and support one another. Together, they serve as ambassadors for Unified Champion Schools by advocating for respect, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion for people of all abilities.

What are the Desired Outcomes of a Youth Activation Committee?

• Throughout the school year, these students work together to:

  • Serve as ambassadors for inclusion at their school.

  • Plan and lead Unified Champion Schools activities and events.

  • Promote respect, acceptance, and belonging for all students.

  • Collaborate with other student leaders from across Idaho.

  • Attend statewide leadership opportunities, including the Youth Summit, where they develop leadership skills and create action plans to bring back to their schools.

Ideal Youth Activation Committee Standards & Growth 

• • Each participating school is encouraged to nominate at least one Unified Pair to represent their Unified Champion School. A Unified Pair is:

    • One student with an intellectual or developmental disability

    • One student without an intellectual or developmental disability

  • Schools may nominate additional Unified Pairs as interest grows. 

  • Open to high school students (grades 9–12).

  • Members serve as inclusion leaders, representing their school while collaborating with student leaders from across the state.

  • The committee will meet virtually 1–2 times minimum per month throughout the school year, with opportunities to attend statewide leadership events, including the Youth Summit.

  • Our goal is to have every participating high school represented by at least one Unified Pair. As the program grows, the State YAC will continue to expand and provide additional leadership opportunities for students across Idaho.