Our Vision in Action:
Mayor’s Young Ambassador Initiative
Did you know?
To date, MaYA has sent more than 269 students on trips to 14 unique international locations.
84% of alumni report staying in touch with trip mates years after the program.
87% of Ambassadors from early cohorts have completed their degrees, certificates, or transferred.
89% report increased civic engagement at home - returning with a broader understanding of cultural and global issues.
Overview
The Mayor’s Young Ambassador Initiative (MaYA) is a fully funded program that provides transformative international travel experiences for Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) students—specifically Los Angeles College Promise participants—who have limited access to global learning opportunities. Launched in 2018 and now operated by the City of Los Angeles' Youth Development Department (YDD), MaYA enables students to immerse themselves in new cultures, build cross-cultural competencies, and develop personal and professional skills.
Through a collaboration with the Foundation and the L.A. College Promise Implementation Team, future efforts will focus on enriching the program and its impact through several key areas:
Foster Alumni Connections
Enhance Career Readiness and Mentorship
Expand Global and Local Opportunities
Support and Train Chaperones
Our Impact
MaYA is a powerful investment in youth development, equity, and global citizenship, drawing participants from across all nine LACCD campuses and 41 Los Angeles ZIP codes. For many of these students, MaYA is a life-changing first: 61% are the first in their families to attend college, 47% are first-time international travelers, and one-third are first-time passport holders.
By opening the world to students often excluded from international opportunities, MaYA provides a structured pathway for them to develop as leaders, thinkers, and advocates, making it a critical tool for realizing equity across the city. The program sparks transformation, deepens purpose, and inspires young people to engage with the world and contribute to their communities with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
“I’ve always been someone with a big heart. To anyone thinking about helping, I’d say this: sometimes, all it takes is a big heart and a reason - and with that, you can change someone’s life. The financial help I got meant that I didn’t have to carry the constant weight of financial stress, I was able to focus, and I made straight A’s all semester!”
- Cammia P. Nursing major, Los Angeles Trade–Technical College
