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

The Rising Leader (RL) Program is designed for young adults ages 18-25. Inspired by our Youth Ambassador Program, the RL Program trains young adults on how to educate others at about TS and other Tic Disorders at college, trade schools, and in the workplace. RLs stay involved in the TAA and have opportunities to present to educators and mentor others. In addition to a full day of training, RLs will join their fellow community members on Capitol Hill to participate in Tourette National Advocacy Day!

Requirements to Become a Rising Leader

• You have been trained as a TAA Youth Ambassador (YA)
• If you are not a previous YA, you are welcome to apply as a young adult who is comfortable with public speaking and has demonstrated dedication to spreading awareness about TS and other Tic Disorders
• Applicants must be aged 18-25 years old on 3/3/2026 for the Rising Leader 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 is in good standing with the TAA, will remain dedicated to leadership as an Ambassador of the TAA, 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 commits to attend training and Tourette National Advocacy Day in Washington, DC.
• Accepted applicants will need to pass a background check.

Parents and Guardians do not attend the RL training itself, but are welcome to accompany the RL to Washington, DC, and Tourette National Advocacy Day at their own expense.

If you are accepted into the RL Program, you must commit to attending training in person in Washington, DC. The TAA receives many applications for this program.

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

Rising Leader Training Schedule

Monday, March 2 – Arrival Day 
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

Tuesday, March 3 – RL Training
9:00 am-4:30 pm: RL Training
6:30 pm: Tourette National Advocacy Preparation Dinner

Wednesday, March 4 – Tourette National Advocacy Day
RLs 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. Additional nights are at your expense.
• Training-sponsored meals 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

Costs Not Covered by the TAA

• Hotel accommodations for any nights not mentioned above
• Meals for anyone accompanying you to training
• 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 Rising Leader Program, please contact Alexandra Walsh at alexandra.walsh@tourette.org. We look forward to receiving your application!

Learn more about the Rising Leader Program.