For high school students interested in leadership, health care and making a difference in their communities, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Adolescent Youth Advisory Board (YAB) offers an opportunity to do all three. The program brings together students from Jefferson and Wilcox counties for a unique experience that builds leadership skills, introduces them to careers in health care and empowers them to help shape programs that impact adolescents across Alabama.
The Youth Advisory Board, a community engagement initiative of the UAB Department of Pediatrics’ Division of Adolescent Medicine, is supported by Tamera Coyne-Beasley, M.D., MPH, FAAP, FSAHM, Derrol Dawkins, MD Endowed Chair in Adolescent Medicine division director of Adolescent Medicine and vice chair for Community Engagement, to ensure young people have a voice in the programs, research and outreach efforts designed to serve them. Originally established in Jefferson County, the program has since expanded to include Wilcox County, creating opportunities for both urban and rural students to share their perspectives while addressing the unique needs of their communities.
Beyond giving students a voice, the board provides leadership development, mentorship opportunities, hands-on learning experiences and exposure to careers in health care, emergency preparedness and public service.
“The Youth Advisory Board serves as a critical partner in ensuring that adolescent health care, research and community outreach are informed by the lived experiences, priorities and perspectives of young people,” said Carley Erin, Jefferson County Youth Advisory Board facilitator. “Rather than serving as passive participants, YAB members act as collaborators who help shape programs and initiatives that are relevant, culturally responsive and youth-centered.”
Although each county’s program reflects the needs of its local community, both share the same mission: empowering students to become leaders while strengthening adolescent health and emergency preparedness across Alabama.
For Jasmine Kennedy, Wilcox County Youth Advisory Board facilitator, one of the program’s greatest strengths is showing students that their voices matter.
“What makes the Youth Advisory Board especially meaningful is that it recognizes students as valuable partners rather than simply recipients of services,” said Kennedy. “Their lived experiences and perspectives help inform conversations around health care, research and community outreach while also preparing them to become confident leaders within their schools and communities.”
Throughout the year, students participate in leadership development, community service projects and hands-on learning opportunities while working alongside physicians, researchers and other professionals. Board members have provided feedback for Children’s of Alabama’s community needs assessment, explored topics including mental health, health literacy and emergency preparedness, and completed CPR and AED training.
This year, students from both Jefferson and Wilcox counties will collaborate with Children’s of Alabama’s disaster preparedness team to help develop disaster preparedness books for K-8 students and participate in additional emergency preparedness initiatives.
One of the board’s biggest initiatives this year is a Youth Summit, where students will meet professionals from a variety of health care disciplines and learn how physicians, nurses, EMS providers, public health professionals and emergency managers work together before, during and after emergencies. Through interactive simulations and real-world scenarios, students will strengthen their leadership, communication, teamwork and critical-thinking skills while exploring careers they may not have previously considered.
Erin encourages students to embrace every opportunity the program offers.
“If you’re going to apply, prepare to be loud,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. We want students who are willing to speak up, ask questions, learn from experts and help shape programs that impact other young people. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow as a leader while making a real difference, I encourage you to apply and let your voice be heard.”
The board also continues to evolve based on student feedback. Members help determine discussion topics, recommend future activities and identify issues that matter most to their peers, ensuring the program remains responsive to the needs of today’s adolescents.
That continued engagement is reflected in the program’s growth. The Jefferson County YAB has expanded to accommodate 30 students representing 15 schools, while the Wilcox County YAB has seen its largest number of returning students, with 15 members returning this year and capacity expanding to 28 students. As both programs continue to grow, facilitators look forward to creating even more opportunities for students to gain the knowledge and practical, lifesaving skills needed for emergency and disaster preparedness.
For Kennedy, one of the most rewarding parts of the Youth Advisory Board is watching students discover their confidence while building lasting relationships with one another.
“I tell our students during orientation that even if they don’t usually speak up at school, they’ll have the opportunity to find their voice here,” said Kennedy. “By the end of the year, complete strangers become a family. If you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone, stay engaged and keep an open mind, you’ll leave with more confidence, lasting friendships and experiences that will stay with you long after the program ends.”
Students interested in learning more about the program click here.