2026 YAYA Application Instructions

Before you complete our online forms, we encourage you to review the following essay questions and requirements for the Barrie Fiske and Group applications. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2026, 11:59 PM PST. If you have any questions please reach out to Nicolas Suarez at nsuarez@tobaccofreekids.org.

Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year

Required Essay Questions:

  • Please summarize who or what motivates you to be a tobacco control advocate and what accomplishments you are most proud of in your tobacco control advocacy. (up to 500 words)
  • How are your school and community impacted by commercial tobacco use? Have you or your family been personally impacted? (250-500 words)
  • Describe the qualities that make you a good leader? How have you used those qualities to advocate for change and to motivate your peers to join your advocacy efforts? (250-500 words)
  • How have you advocated for policy change at the local, state, and/or federal level? Please specify which elected officials you have engaged within your advocacy journey. (250-500 words)
  • List your four (4) most impactful activities/events/advocacy moments (in the field of commercial tobacco control or public health) and why there were so impactful. (250-500 words)
  • Please describe any challenges you have encountered in your advocacy journey and how you overcame them. What did you learn? (250-500 words)
  • How have you utilized media channels (newspapers, TV, radio stations and/or social media) to effectively amplify your advocacy (250-500 words)
  • What do you want to do in the future related to advocacy? What issues are you most passionate about? Include any ideas you have for holding the tobacco industry accountable for their harmful actions. (500-1000 words)

Required Materials:

  • A high quality photo to be used at the 2026 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards, if selected
  • 2-3 letters of support
  • A max 90-second YouTube link introducing yourself, speaking more on your advocacy, and why you would be a great fit for the 2026 Youth Advocate of the Year Award

Optional Materials:

  • Any links to articles, news stories, social media posts, etc.
  • Any supplemental material you believe enhances your application and/or best demonstrates your advocacy!

Group Youth Advocates of the Year 

Required Essay Questions:

  • Please summarize who or what motivates you all to be a tobacco control group, how has commercial tobacco impacted you all, members of your family and/or your peers? What accomplishments are you all most proud of in your tobacco control advocacy journey? (up to 500 words)
  • How has your group advocated for policy change at the local, state, and/or federal level? Please specify which elected officials your group has engaged with in your advocacy journey. (250-500 words)
  • List your groups' four (4) most impactful activities/events/advocacy moments (in the field of commercial tobacco control or public health) and why they were so impactful. (250-500 words)
  • Please describe any challenges your group has encountered throughout your advocacy journey and how you overcame them. What did you learn? (250-500 words)
  • How have you utilized media channels (newspapers, TV, radio stations and/or social media) to effectively amplify your group advocacy (250-500 words)
  • As a Group Youth Advocate of the Year Award winner, you will receive a $2500 grant to support your tobacco control advocacy work. What is one big idea, project and/or event you would like to implement to address Big Tobacco's impact in your community (500-1000 words)

Required Materials:

  • A high quality photo to be used at the 2026 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards, if selected
  • A letter of support from your group's coordinator and a letter of support from an additional community reference.
  • A max 90-second Youtube link introducing yourself, speaking more on your advocacy, and why you would be a great fit for the 2026 Group Youth Advocates of the Year Award

Optional Materials:

  • Any links to articles, news stories, social media posts, etc.
  • Any supplemental material you believe enhances your application and/or best demonstrates your advocacy!