Mayor’s Young Ambassadors (MaYA)
The Mayor’s Young Ambassador Initiative was created to provide young, diverse Angelenos with the transformative experience of traveling abroad and connect them to global opportunities in L.A. and beyond.
Key Impact
More than 50 Los Angeles College Promise youth have participated in MaYA which has facilitated six trips to date.
Connecting young Angelenos to global experiences and the international community.
The Mayor’s Young Ambassador (MaYA) program offers international travel for students from low-income households who are currently enrolled in community college via LA’s College Promise. During curate, immersive trips, Young Ambassadors participate in cultural exchanges with peers in their host country, visit historic landmarks, meet government officials, and take part in community service projects. MaYA also prepares students to be Olympic hosts for the LA 2028 Summer Olympic Games. Since 2018, MaYA has provided nearly 50 young Angelenos with the opportunity to travel abroad. Upon their return, Young Ambassadors continue to stay engaged through the MaYA Alumni Network, which provides opportunities to network with professionals working in the international affairs field. Alumni also continue developing their leadership skills by working together to organize community service and youth mentorship projects in their communities.
MaYA trips have included:
- Durango, Mexico (August 2018)
- Cairo, Egypt (August 2018)
- Tokyo, Japan (Japan 2019)
- Paris, France (June 2019)
- Hanoi, Vietnam (August 2019)
- Paris, France (June 2022)
Issue Area
Partners
Los Angeles Community College District
Los Angeles College Promise
Funders
Baxter Family Foundation
Conrad Hilton Foundation
Jane And Mark Nathanson Foundation
RM Liu Foundation
Programs Similar to Mayor’s Young Ambassadors (MaYA)
Empowering young Angelenos to pursue higher education while helping them to start the careers of their dreams with the skills and experience to succeed.
Providing access to job, educational and recreational opportunities for youths aged 14-24.
Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council get a chance to interact with law enforcement and explore careers in public service.