The Youth Advancement Collective (YAC), formerly known as the Youth Advisory Council, was launched in 2015 as a program that unites San Diego youth leaders to champion healthy initiatives and address community health impacts. YAC is a part of the Refugee and Immigrant Health (RIH) Unit of UC San Diego’s Center for Community Health (CCH), housed under the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI). The YAC program aims to equip young people ages 14–19 with the skills, resources, and networks to thrive academically, professionally, and civically. YAC specifically supports youth in Southern California, particularly in San Diego, to become leaders who can address critical Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and public health challenges in their communities. 

Although young people contribute important perspectives, they are often excluded from opportunities that support their academic, professional, and civic development. YAC provides structured engagement for students by offering guidance, skill-building activities, and exposure to new learning environments. Many YAC participants are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and several come from households with various backgrounds. Their experiences and viewpoints are central to the program’s purpose. Through mentorship, career exploration, and leadership development, YAC helps students strengthen their abilities, expand their professional networks, and prepare for future roles in public health and related fields. Please click here to learn more about our work.