Youth Advocacy Foundation
@youthadvfdn.bsky.social
The Youth Advocacy Foundation (YAF) works to ensure equitable access to quality education and to shut down the School-to-Prison Pipeline for all MA youth.
According to a new study, low socioeconomic opportunities negatively impact a child’s brain development. With over 2,300 child participants, they determined sensory processing & motor control centers are most impacted by socioeconomic disadvantage. www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/socioec...
October 6, 2026 at 7:26 PM
According to a new study, low socioeconomic opportunities negatively impact a child’s brain development. With over 2,300 child participants, they determined sensory processing & motor control centers are most impacted by socioeconomic disadvantage. www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/socioec...
Here with a friendly reminder that we have FIVE charity bibs for the 2027 Boston Marathon! If you are interested in joining TeamYAF 2027, please fill out the application form at
bit.ly/TeamYAF2027 . Applications are closing tomorrow night! #BostonMarathon2027 #RunForGood #CharityRunner
bit.ly/TeamYAF2027 . Applications are closing tomorrow night! #BostonMarathon2027 #RunForGood #CharityRunner
September 29, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Here with a friendly reminder that we have FIVE charity bibs for the 2027 Boston Marathon! If you are interested in joining TeamYAF 2027, please fill out the application form at
bit.ly/TeamYAF2027 . Applications are closing tomorrow night! #BostonMarathon2027 #RunForGood #CharityRunner
bit.ly/TeamYAF2027 . Applications are closing tomorrow night! #BostonMarathon2027 #RunForGood #CharityRunner
Congratulations to our board member, Darnell Thigpen Williams, on the publication of his new book, Black Excellence by Design: A Critical Framework for Transforming K-12 Education! (a.co/d/00A6LPKu) 🎉
September 28, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Congratulations to our board member, Darnell Thigpen Williams, on the publication of his new book, Black Excellence by Design: A Critical Framework for Transforming K-12 Education! (a.co/d/00A6LPKu) 🎉
Happy Hispanic Heritage month! At YAF, we celebrate pioneers in youth education and advocacy: Gabriela Mistrak, Jaime Escalante, and Sandro Cisneros. Please join us in celebrating their contributions, as well as the invaluable experience of the Hispanic community. #hispanicheritagemonth
September 18, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Happy Hispanic Heritage month! At YAF, we celebrate pioneers in youth education and advocacy: Gabriela Mistrak, Jaime Escalante, and Sandro Cisneros. Please join us in celebrating their contributions, as well as the invaluable experience of the Hispanic community. #hispanicheritagemonth
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—Youth Advocacy Foundation has FIVE charity bibs for the 2027 Boston Marathon! 🎉 If you are interested in joining TeamYAF 2027, please fill out the application form here: forms.gle/awEqaA9oyTeM...
#bostonmarathon #runboston #charityrunner
#bostonmarathon #runboston #charityrunner
September 14, 2026 at 7:21 PM
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—Youth Advocacy Foundation has FIVE charity bibs for the 2027 Boston Marathon! 🎉 If you are interested in joining TeamYAF 2027, please fill out the application form here: forms.gle/awEqaA9oyTeM...
#bostonmarathon #runboston #charityrunner
#bostonmarathon #runboston #charityrunner
September means back-to-school and for the young people we serve, it can also mean overwhelming stress. That's why we created our Client Support Fund, because a student cannot focus on learning without food, a home, and basic tools they need to succeed.
youthadvocacyfoundation.org/donate
youthadvocacyfoundation.org/donate
September 1, 2026 at 8:36 PM
September means back-to-school and for the young people we serve, it can also mean overwhelming stress. That's why we created our Client Support Fund, because a student cannot focus on learning without food, a home, and basic tools they need to succeed.
youthadvocacyfoundation.org/donate
youthadvocacyfoundation.org/donate
A new paper by Naoka Carey, Lael Chester & Noor Toraif reviews current knowledge on the developmental needs of emerging adults, how the adult criminal justice system can undermine healthy development, and the social & biological factors that promote psychosocial maturity and desistance from crime.
August 31, 2026 at 7:05 PM
A new paper by Naoka Carey, Lael Chester & Noor Toraif reviews current knowledge on the developmental needs of emerging adults, how the adult criminal justice system can undermine healthy development, and the social & biological factors that promote psychosocial maturity and desistance from crime.
The MA Senate has voted to approve an amendment that would raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include most 18-year-olds. Read more here: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/raise-t...
July 31, 2026 at 4:20 PM
The MA Senate has voted to approve an amendment that would raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include most 18-year-olds. Read more here: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/raise-t...
Welcome, Avery Borreliz! Learn more about our newest board member here: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/welcome...
July 30, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Welcome, Avery Borreliz! Learn more about our newest board member here: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/welcome...
The federal government has announced plans for special education responsibilities will be transferred to the DH&HS, while education civil rights enforcement will be moved to the DoJ. This is a part of several sweeps from the current administration to dismantle the federal Department of Education.
June 22, 2026 at 3:07 PM
The federal government has announced plans for special education responsibilities will be transferred to the DH&HS, while education civil rights enforcement will be moved to the DoJ. This is a part of several sweeps from the current administration to dismantle the federal Department of Education.
Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom and equality are worth fighting for, and that the work of creating a more just future must continue.
Today, we reflect on the past, celebrate Black history and culture, and recognize the importance of creating opportunities for all young people to thrive.
Today, we reflect on the past, celebrate Black history and culture, and recognize the importance of creating opportunities for all young people to thrive.
June 19, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom and equality are worth fighting for, and that the work of creating a more just future must continue.
Today, we reflect on the past, celebrate Black history and culture, and recognize the importance of creating opportunities for all young people to thrive.
Today, we reflect on the past, celebrate Black history and culture, and recognize the importance of creating opportunities for all young people to thrive.
Pride is a time to celebrate protecting the rights & ensuring the safety of LGBTQ community members. This month, we're recognizing the progress made in MA while continuing to advocate for safe and supportive learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth everywhere. #PrideMonth #SafeSchools #StudentRights
June 16, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Pride is a time to celebrate protecting the rights & ensuring the safety of LGBTQ community members. This month, we're recognizing the progress made in MA while continuing to advocate for safe and supportive learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth everywhere. #PrideMonth #SafeSchools #StudentRights
When advocates, educators, and youth-serving professionals have the right tools, more young people can thrive. YAF recently presented at the Youth At Risk Conference on the intersection of education and juvenile court. Read more: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/investi...
June 2, 2026 at 5:01 PM
When advocates, educators, and youth-serving professionals have the right tools, more young people can thrive. YAF recently presented at the Youth At Risk Conference on the intersection of education and juvenile court. Read more: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/investi...
Tomorrow we celebrate 25 years of fighting for MA students and we couldn't do it without our incredible sponsors! A huge thank you to all of our corporate and individual supporters! Online raffle tickets close TONIGHT at 8pm — grab yours at bit.ly/yaf25years before they're gone!
May 14, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Tomorrow we celebrate 25 years of fighting for MA students and we couldn't do it without our incredible sponsors! A huge thank you to all of our corporate and individual supporters! Online raffle tickets close TONIGHT at 8pm — grab yours at bit.ly/yaf25years before they're gone!
Students deserve care, support, and dignity — never isolation behind closed doors. YAF & EdLaw will keep fighting for safe, compassionate schools where every young person can thrive. Read more at:
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/every-c...
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/every-c...
May 12, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Students deserve care, support, and dignity — never isolation behind closed doors. YAF & EdLaw will keep fighting for safe, compassionate schools where every young person can thrive. Read more at:
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/every-c...
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/every-c...
Our latest Newsletter is out! To read the FY26 Q3 newsletter, check your email or visit our website now at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/theadvocate
If you're not on our email list yet and want to stay connected with YAF, please join our list at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/contactus
If you're not on our email list yet and want to stay connected with YAF, please join our list at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/contactus
May 1, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Our latest Newsletter is out! To read the FY26 Q3 newsletter, check your email or visit our website now at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/theadvocate
If you're not on our email list yet and want to stay connected with YAF, please join our list at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/contactus
If you're not on our email list yet and want to stay connected with YAF, please join our list at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/contactus
🌍 Greece, Iceland, or Costa Rica — YOU pick! Our Dream Vacation Raffle is officially on sale and one lucky winner chooses their dream getaway from 3 incredible packages! 🎉
More details at: youthadvocacyfoundation.org/25yearsraffle
More details at: youthadvocacyfoundation.org/25yearsraffle
April 28, 2026 at 10:06 PM
🌍 Greece, Iceland, or Costa Rica — YOU pick! Our Dream Vacation Raffle is officially on sale and one lucky winner chooses their dream getaway from 3 incredible packages! 🎉
More details at: youthadvocacyfoundation.org/25yearsraffle
More details at: youthadvocacyfoundation.org/25yearsraffle
Last week, EdLaw Staff Counsel Alexis Rickmers represented YAF and EdLaw at Boston Public Schools' Autism Acceptance Event — a wonderful gathering connecting families of children with Autism to local resources and support. 💙 (1/3)
April 24, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Last week, EdLaw Staff Counsel Alexis Rickmers represented YAF and EdLaw at Boston Public Schools' Autism Acceptance Event — a wonderful gathering connecting families of children with Autism to local resources and support. 💙 (1/3)
Tuesday, a MA Superior Court judge denied the state's motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit fighting for special education services for students with disabilities in HoC's and it was a strongly worded decision! (Read the full decision at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/big-new...) (1/3)
March 26, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Tuesday, a MA Superior Court judge denied the state's motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit fighting for special education services for students with disabilities in HoC's and it was a strongly worded decision! (Read the full decision at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/big-new...) (1/3)
Yesterday we paused to honor Gideon Day 🤝 — a reminder that justice should never depend on your income. The 1963 Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright guaranteed the right to legal counsel for those who can't afford it. A ruling that changed lives and still resonates today.
March 19, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Yesterday we paused to honor Gideon Day 🤝 — a reminder that justice should never depend on your income. The 1963 Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright guaranteed the right to legal counsel for those who can't afford it. A ruling that changed lives and still resonates today.
🎓 We are beyond proud to celebrate our board member, Dr. Darnell Thigpen Williams! His dissertation, Black Excellence by Design, isn't just an academic milestone — it's a blueprint for the transformation we fight for every day. Congratulations, Darnell! 🧵
#BlackExcellence #EducationAdvocacy
#BlackExcellence #EducationAdvocacy
March 9, 2026 at 1:08 PM
🎓 We are beyond proud to celebrate our board member, Dr. Darnell Thigpen Williams! His dissertation, Black Excellence by Design, isn't just an academic milestone — it's a blueprint for the transformation we fight for every day. Congratulations, Darnell! 🧵
#BlackExcellence #EducationAdvocacy
#BlackExcellence #EducationAdvocacy
In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of Mae Jemison.
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
February 28, 2026 at 4:50 PM
In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of Mae Jemison.
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of John Lewis and Marsha P. Johnson.
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
February 27, 2026 at 1:46 PM
In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of John Lewis and Marsha P. Johnson.
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of activist and poet, Audre Lorde.
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
February 26, 2026 at 2:04 PM
In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of activist and poet, Audre Lorde.
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of activist and poet, Maya Angelou.
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
February 24, 2026 at 11:40 PM
In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of activist and poet, Maya Angelou.
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤
Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤