The Tourette Association of America (TAA) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Junior Youth Ambassador Program are now open!

The Junior Youth Ambassador (Jr YA) Program is a chance for children to learn more about their Tourette Syndrome (TS) diagnosis. Designed for ages 7-11, the Jr YA program highlights the importance of self-advocacy and disclosure. In addition to a partial day of training, Jr YAs will have the opportunity to join their fellow community members to participate in Tourette National Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC!

Please note: A parent or adult guardian is required to accompany their child and participate in their program as an Adult Team Member. The Jr. YA team consists of the Child + Adult Team Member (parent or guardian).

Requirements to Become a Junior Youth Ambassador

• Applicants must either have a diagnosis of TS or another Tic Disorder, be in the process of receiving a diagnosis, or are the sibling of someone with TS or another Tic Disorder.
• Applicants need to understand and have an acceptance of their TS or another Tic Disorder diagnosis. This training will teach more about TS and co-occurring conditions, as well as self-advocacy skills. 
• Applicants must be aged 7-11 years old on 3/3/2026 for the Junior Youth Ambassador program. Individuals can not repeat a training they have already received and must wait until they are within the appropriate age range to receive the next level of training.
• The Applicant and the Adult Team Member (parent or guardian) are in good standing with the TAA, will remain committed to self-advocacy work, and will stay involved with the TAA after training.
• The Applicant completes an application and submits a photo and a story pertaining to their experience with TS.
• The Applicant and the Adult Team Member commit to attend training and Tourette National Advocacy Day in Washington, DC.
• Accepted applicants and/or their Adult Team Member will need to pass a background check.

The application deadline is September 22, 2025. If you have any questions about the Junior Youth Ambassador Program or the application, please reach out to Alexandra Walsh at alexandra.walsh@tourette.org.

Junior Youth Ambassador Training Schedule

Monday, March 2 – Arrival Day 
Jr YA teams will arrive and check in at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, VA.
2:00-6:00 pm: Registration open
6:00-8:00 pm: Informational Meet & Greet for the Jr YA Team

Tuesday, March 3 – Jr YA Training
9:00 am-2:00 pm: Jr YA Training
6:30 pm: Tourette National Advocacy Day Preparation Dinner

Wednesday, March 4 – Tourette National Advocacy Day
The Jr YA Team will meet with members of Congress and their staff. TAA’s Public Policy team will organize meetings for you. Buses will provide transportation from the hotel to Capitol Hill and back.

Costs Covered by the TAA

• Travel reimbursement: Airfare, gas mileage, train, or bus transportation is capped at $350 per individual. Travel by car is reimbursable at the charitable rate set forth by the IRS (currently $0.14 per mile) capped at $350.
• Hotel accommodations: Lodging at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center is reserved and covered by the TAA for the nights of Monday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 3 for the Jr YA Team. Additional nights are at your expense.
• Training-sponsored meals for the Jr YA Team at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
  • Monday, March 2: Meet & Greet Dinner
  • Tuesday, March 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Wednesday, March 4: Breakfast, Lunch at the Capitol
• Training program materials

Costs Not Covered by the TAA

• Hotel accommodations for any nights not mentioned above
• Meals for additional individuals not part of the Jr YA Team
• Meals outside of training, including those associated with travel
• Any transportation or parking other than airfare, gas mileage, train, or bus, as mentioned above

If you have any questions about this application or the Junior Youth Ambassador Program, please contact Alexandra Walsh at alexandra.walsh@tourette.org. We look forward to receiving your application!

Learn more about the Junior Youth Ambassador Program.