YOUTH IN ACTION

Young people are powerful voices in the fight against tobacco. They encourage their peers to be tobacco-free, stand up to the tobacco industry and its deceptive marketing and urge elected leaders to take action. We work with young people from elementary school to college-aged to help them fight for healthier, tobacco-free communities.

Throughout the year, we provide young people with comprehensive advocacy training, mentorship and opportunities to make their voices heard in important advocacy moments. Along the way, we help youth foster strong relationships with peers, their community and their legislators. For over 25 years and continuing today, youth are critical voices in the fight for a tobacco-free future.

NATIONAL YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Our National Youth Ambassadors are high school students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in fighting tobacco in their communities. These advocates are chosen annually as representatives of their state through a competitive application process. They receive comprehensive training, participate in advocacy activities throughout the year and form lasting connections with fellow advocates and their communities.

DJ Yearwood
Independence, MO

Connor Lam
Pleasanton, CA

Kamirah Louissant
Miami, FL

Nevaeh Mock
Bismarck, ND

Brenna Bastin
New Palestine, IN

Anjana Kailasanath
South Brunswick Township, NJ

Julia Choi
Torrance, CA

Courtney Sweet
Johnston, IA

Muhammad Ali Alrubaye
Fayetteville, AR

Josephine Shapiro
Seattle, WA

Laila Bityeki
Clarksburg, MD

Shania Reed
Tutwiler, MS

Kai Villaluz
Wolf Point, MT

Maximillion Marmon
Laguna, NM

Zak Hill
Dover, NH

Unique Harris
Bear, DE

Breanna Cutright
Clarksburg, WV

Jazlynn Barnett
Tallulah, LA

Jalen Keith-Pittman
Rolesville, NC

Glory Wells
Philadelphia, PA

Nia Kamara
Yonkers, NY

Nikkya Taliaferro
Washington, DC

YOUTH ADVOCATES OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Each year, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids honors outstanding youth advocates who are leading the way to the first tobacco-free generation at our Youth Advocates of the Year Awards in Washington, D.C. Honorees receive scholarships and grants to continue their advocacy work, and receive numerous leadership opportunities throughout the following year.

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WATCH: 2023 YOUTH ADVOCATES OF THE YEAR AWARDS

OUR 2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS

DJ Yearwood, Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year
Lilith Breazeale, Youth Advocate of the Year
Lauren To, Youth Advocate of the Year
J.R. Ash, Youth Advocate of the Year
Miah Chao, Youth Advocate of the Year
VOICE Indiana, Group Youth Advocates of the Year

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ALLIANCE

The Youth Engagement Alliance (YEA) for Tobacco Control provides technical assistance and support to adult coordinators who work with youth across the United States. YEA’s mission is to cultivate and advance strategies for youth engagement and advocacy in tobacco control by providing support, networking, training and resources for those working with youth.

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