Special Olympics believes that through sports young people can make a difference in friendships, schools and communities. Unified Champion Schools is youth driven, with a Youth Activation Committee (YAC) made up of young people representing middle schools, high schools and colleges statewide. Members of the committee will work together over the course of the year to develop strategies promoting school communities where all young people are agents of change. During their time on the committee, YAC members will provide leadership to Special Olympics Illinois and Unified Champion Schools by participating in Special Olympics events, providing advice and counsel on strategies to reach other youths, engaging in and promoting Special Olympics activities in their home environments, communicating and networking via Web connectivity with other youth around the country, and reviewing UCS materials for innovation and viability.

All applicants are required to attend a Leadership Training April 21^st – 22^nd, 2023 in Normal, IL. This will serve as an interview and audition for the Youth Activation Committee.  Selection will take place in May and all applicants will be notified if they are selected no later than May 31^st. All those selected will be required to attend Boot Camp August 25 – 27^th, 2023 (also in Normal, IL), monthly Youth Activation Committee meetings virtually as well as present at our annual Youth Activation Summit in person. Students selected will be representing their schools during the 2023 – 2024 school year.

Would you like to be a member of this committee? Fill out the form below!

The Youth Activation Committee is dedicated to bringing respect and inclusion to schools throughout the state. They commit their time to attend the yearly bootcamp, YAC meeting, Capitol Hill Day and to the promotion of inclusion and fundraising for the cause.