Youth Ambassadors of Service
Youth Ambassadors of Service
Youth Ambassadors of Service (YAS) is a youth-founded, youth-led nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina. It trains high school students to lead service initiatives and supports engagement in the nonprofit sector. Its mission is to empower young people to become civic-minded leaders through hands-on experience, mentorship, and community-based impact projects.[1]
History
YAS was originally established as the General Services Foundation in September 2020 by high school students in response to increased local need during the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] Initially starting as a school club, the organization evolved into a formal nonprofit to address the lack of accessible service opportunities for youth.
By its first 15 months, the organization had raised over $20,000 and collected more than 30,000 donated items in support of over 30 nonprofit partners.[2]
YAS rebranded in 2023 following a strategic planning process and adopted its current name to reflect its youth-led identity and broader mission. That same year, YAS was selected for United Way of the Greater Triangle's "10 to Watch" initiative, a two-year capacity-building program for emerging nonprofit leaders.[3]
Programs
YAS offers leadership development programs based on the Points of Light Civic Circle of Engagement Framework, aiming to guide students from one-time volunteering to sustained civic participation.
Act & Advance
An entry-level, eight-month program introducing high school students to service leadership through nonprofit partnerships, local drives, and professional mentorship.
Young Nonprofit Fellowship
A nine-month fellowship placing students with local nonprofits, where they lead independent capstone service projects. Fellows also attend biweekly professional development and mentorship sessions.
SCALE Program
Launched in partnership with Saint Mary's School in 2023, SCALE is a semester-long project-based learning initiative. A recent cohort of 82 students raised more than $7,800 for causes including the American Cancer Society and girls' sports.
Alumni Community
Scheduled to launch in 2025, this initiative will provide mentorship, service opportunities, and networking for program alumni to support their continued civic engagement.
Impact
As of 2025, over 500 students have participated in YAS programs. In the 2024–25 cycle alone, the Young Nonprofit Fellowship raised $12,000 for Triangle-area nonprofits. Since its founding, YAS has partnered with over 40 nonprofits and contributed thousands of volunteer hours, meals, and equipment donations.[2]
Recognition
In 2022, YAS founder Sonali Ratnasinghe received the Wake County Medallion Award as part of North Carolina's Governor's Volunteer Service Awards, recognizing her leadership in launching the organization.[4]
Later that year, she was also honored as the Triangle's Outstanding Young Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals during National Philanthropy Day.[5]
In 2023, she was named a Daily Point of Light Award honoree by Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to volunteerism and civic engagement. The profile highlighted YAS's youth-driven leadership model and community impact.[1]
In 2024, CBS17 featured YAS on its "My Carolina" television segment, showcasing its youth-led programs and local impact.[6]
Leadership and Governance
YAS uses a dual-leadership model: a student-led operational board manages day-to-day programming, while a governance board composed of nonprofit professionals provides legal oversight and strategic guidance.
Student Leadership
The Student Board consists of elected youth leaders responsible for program execution and peer mentorship. As of 2025, student leaders include:
- Shailen Fofaria – Student Board Chair
- Caroline Wang – Act & Advance Peer Mentor
Governance Board
The Governance Board includes nonprofit professionals who support YAS's strategy and compliance. Members include:
- Malenia Swinton – Board Chair
- Anne Strickland – Board Member
- Taylor Clayton – Board Member
- Olivia Ecker – Board Member
- Shriya Agarwal – Board Member
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Youth-led Nonprofit Organization Helps Give Other Service-Oriented Youth a Leg Up". Points of Light. January 30, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Volunteer of the Week: Sonali Ratnasinghe". Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center. October 10, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ↑ "10 to Watch: 2023–2025 Cohort". United Way of the Greater Triangle. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ↑ "2022 Governor's Volunteer Service Award Recipients - Wake County". State of North Carolina. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ↑ "National Philanthropy Day". AFP Triangle Chapter. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Youth Ambassadors of Service". CBS17. WNCN. May 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
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