As part of a partnership with YUSA and Amazon, the Y offered high school students (grades 9-12) in selected cities around the country the opportunity to propose a project that addresses a critical issue or need in their communities. The issue/need selected was up to the high school students, but it had to directly connect to their local community – it could have national/global importance, but must have a specific local context. The YMCA of the Capital Area was one of the selected YMCAs from around the country. After receiving several submissions from area High School students in response to the YMCA’s Change Makers project; Alex Wei and Nicole Lin, from Baton Rouge High School, project was selected to represent our community in DC.
Students from around the country presented their chosen projects as part of the YMCA’s Changemaker’s Initiative at the YMCA National Youth & Government Conference in DC last week. Thanks to Amazon, we were able to provide this experience to these students at no expense to them. They had the opportunity to tour DC; listen to the Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, speak; hear from Shalanda Young, Director of the OMB; and socialize with other students from around the country. Including our two students, and others, for many this was their first experience to travel to DC.
After presenting their project, Baton Rouge High School was chosen as the Gold Medal winner!! The result is that they will receive $5,000 to help support their initiative and hopefully bring it to fruition. Between our Louisiana Youth & Government Delegates and, these two representing the Change Makers Project, Louisiana was represented well!
Their project centered around a “Life Emergency Aid” to be used during storms and long-term power outages. Very creative, ingenious, and much needed. The future is bright for our Louisiana youth! We are extremely proud of these students!! Thank you to Baton Rouge High Principal McCann and Physics Teacher, Lai Cao for supporting these students.