Incorporating Youth Voice: MBK Pittsburg Youth Ambassador Program (MBK YAP) Overview

Strategic Focus: Youth Leadership | Civic Engagement | Youth Voice

Purpose

The MBK Pittsburg Youth Ambassador Program (MBK YAP) is a dynamic, youth-led leadership body composed of boys and young men of color. The MBK YAP serves as a formal advisory body to My Brother’s Keeper Pittsburg (MBK Pittsburg). The Council ensures that youth voice, experience, and leadership are not only heard but integrated into policies, programming, and system-level change.

Engagement Structure

Composition

• 10–15 transition aged youth members (ages 14-21)
• Prioritizes representation across MBK Pittsburg Community Table organizations and youth with lived experience pursing Milestone 4: Complete Post-Secondary Education or Training
• Inclusive of diverse identities, experiences, and leadership styles

Term & Commitment

• One-year renewable term
• Monthly 60-90-minute meetings (virtual or in-person)
• Participation in and regular attendance at Milestone 4 initiatives and programs, policy reviews, and community events

Key Roles & Responsibilities

MBK Youth Ambassador Program members will:

• Influence Policy & Practice: Identify priority issues and policies that effect boys and young men of color.
• Influence Program Development: Provide input on curriculum and initiatives for MBK Pittsburg and Community Table Organizations
• Lead & Represent: Present at convenings, including the MBK Pittsburg meetings, board meetings, and City Council Advisory Committees and meetings.
• Mentor & Be Mentored: Receive mentorship while also serving as peer mentors to younger youth.
• Advise Communications: Support storytelling, media campaigns, and public presentations.

Leadership Development & Support

MBK Youth Ambassador Program members receive:

• Youth leadership training (facilitation, public speaking, advocacy)
• Monthly stipend or service hour recognition
• Swag, certificates, letters of recommendation, and opportunities for regional/national travel

Sustainability & Leadership Continuity Plan

To ensure long-term impact, the following supports are embedded:

1. Leadership Pipeline: Graduating MBK Youth Ambassador Program members transition into alumni advisors and may become youth fellows or paid interns/staff supporting programs and initiatives.
2. Compensation & Recognition: Members receive monthly stipends and formal acknowledgment at community advisory committees, Boards, and City Council meetings.
3. Structural Investment: A dedicated MBK Pittsburg representative will provide onboarding, facilitation, and coaching.

Accountability & Evaluation

The MBK Youth Ambassador Program members will:

• Provide formal recommendations to MBK Pittsburg leadership biannually.
• Participate in pre- and post-self-assessments to track growth in policy knowledge, advocacy skills, and leadership, and personal development related to Milestone 4.
• Develop an annual presentation on MBK Pittsburg’s impact.
• Maintain a feedback loop with MBK Pittsburg to ensure integration of youth voice across initiatives.
• Report out on their progress towards goals – course/school grades, scholarships, program acceptance, and successes/challenges.

MBK Pittsburg Youth Advisory Council (MBK Youth Council)  is a core mechanism through which MBK Pittsburg remains youth-informed, equity-driven, and community-grounded, ensuring that young men of color grow from participants into system-shaping leaders.

Anticipated Program Launch: January 2026. 

Check links to apply and learn details! 

MBK Pittsburg Ambassador Program Registration