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

The Youth Ambassador (YA) Program is an opportunity for teens ages 12-17 to come together, interact, and learn more about Tourette Syndrome (TS), other Tic Disorders, and co-occurring conditions. This program trains teens on how to educate their communities and spread awareness about TS. In addition to a full day of training, YAs will have the opportunity to join their fellow community members on Capitol Hill to participate in Tourette National Advocacy Day.

Please note: The TAA YA Program is designed for teens ages 12-17. A parent or adult guardian will be required to accompany their teen and participate in their program as an Adult Team Member. The YA Team consists of the Teen + Adult Team Member (parent or guardian)

Requirements to Become a Youth Ambassador

• Show a demonstrated dedication to spreading awareness of TS.
• Be comfortable with public speaking and sharing your TS story.
• Be prepared to advocate and support others with TS after training.
• Applicants must be aged 12-17 years old on 3/3/2026 for the 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 program or the application, please reach out to Alexandra Walsh at alexandra.walsh@tourette.org.

Youth Ambassador 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 for the YA Team (optional, but highly encouraged because it’s fun!)
8:00 pm: Social event for Ambassadors & Adult Team Members

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

Wednesday, March 4 – Tourette National Advocacy Day
YA Teams will meet with members of Congress and their staff. TAA’s Public Policy team will organize meetings for YA Teams. 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 YA Team. Additional nights are at your expense.
• Training-sponsored meals for the 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

Costs Not Covered by the TAA

• Hotel accommodations for any nights not mentioned above
• Additional meals for individuals not part of the 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 Youth Ambassador Program, please contact Alexandra Walsh at alexandra.walsh@tourette.org. We look forward to receiving your application!

Learn more about the Youth Ambassador Program.