LAMP High School student Yash Param participated in the 2024 YMCA Changemakers Summit in Washington, D.C., alongside the Montgomery Academy's, John Alfrod. John and Yash were among 80 students from across the country selected to participate in this year's summit.
Now in its third year, the YMCA Changemakers Summit is a unique opportunity for rising 9th-12th graders to propose a project that addresses a critical issue or need in their communities. The top proposals receive a grant of $5,000 to implement their project, empowering them to make a positive impact in their community. Guided by three core principles - beliefs and values, meaningful experiences, and intentional settings, the change-maker strategy equips young people with the skills and confidence to drive positive change
Alford’s and Param’s proposal, “Establishing Youth in Government in Public Schools”, a project focused on establishing a Youth In Government (YIG) Club in Montgomery Public Schools, which would provide individuals opportunities to participate in programs such as: Youth Judicial/Legislature, Model United Nations, Speech and Debate, etc.
"Through programs like YMCA Changemakers, the Y empowers young people to reach their full potential as thoughtful, caring and dedicated community leaders,” said Corey Calcote, Executive Director, Britton YMCA. “I am so incredibly proud of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery’s own emerging leaders, John and Yash, for their participation in the summit and encourage them to continue their work on their project, which is sure to create lasting impact in the River Region for many years to come.”
