Become A Black SEL

Student Advocate

Empowering the Next Generation of Black Leaders

The Black SEL Student Advocates is a transformative initiative for Black youth (Ages 13-18), designed to cultivate leadership, civic engagement, and social responsibility.

This program offers a structured pathway for students to develop advocacy skills, deepen their connection to their identity, and lead initiatives that impact their communities.  It is designed for Black youth who are descendants of the Black diaspora and passionate about personal growth, community leadership, and social change.

Student Advocates take their commitment further by engaging in Advocate programs, where they amplify their impact through Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), Civic Engagement, and the Black SEL Club—a high school club led by Black SEL Advocates.

Watch what Student Advocates have to say about the Black SEL Pillars.

Advocate Spotlight

Eliya Gbedee (she/her)

Meet Eliya Gbedee (she/her), a junior at Voyager Academy High School and our Advocate of the Month! Eliya stood out this month through her dedication and leadership during both our Whisperer Training and the BAP 10-Year Celebration. From preparation to the event itself, she brought energy, focus, and commitment to her role, showing exactly what it means to be a Black SEL Advocate. We’re so proud of Eliya for setting the tone this month and can’t wait to see all the ways she continues to grow.

The First Step

A Student Advocate is a Black SEL Ambassador who has completed the Black SEL Advocate Fellowship and actively leads by supporting peers, championing social justice, and fostering community well-being. 

The Advocate Fellowship provides students with structured learning experiences to develop their advocacy skills, engaging in workshops, training, and community service. Through this program, Advocate Fellows work toward completing program milestones, earning all associated badges to be officially recognized as Black SEL Advocates. 

Fellowship Outcomes

Skill Development in Black SEL Pillars

Advocate Fellows will deepen their self-awareness and strengthen their Black self-concept while actively engaging in community events, discussions, and service opportunities. They will develop the ability to articulate their role in advocacy and community engagement, identifying and championing social justice issues essential to the Black community’s sustainability.

Fellows will also design and implement initiatives in collaboration with community stakeholders, propose meaningful Black SEL community service projects, and create a vision for their long-term involvement in advocacy. Additionally, they will assess their strengths and areas for growth, developing a plan for continued leadership and skill-building.

Building a Strong Support Network

To sustain their advocacy and leadership, Advocate Fellows will cultivate meaningful connections within the Black SEL community.

Each Fellow will establish a relationship with a current Advocate or Advocate Fellow, identify a trusted adult within the Black SEL network—such as a mentor, speaker, or staff member—for ongoing guidance, and recognize a trusted adult outside the network who supports their commitment to Black SEL and leadership development.

Want to become a Black SEL Student Advocate?

Subscribe to our Program newsletter to stay updated on the next application cycle for the Advocate Fellowship Cohort!

Subscribe to the Student Advocate Newsletter
Learn About Our

Advocate Programs

Black SEL High School Clubs

Advocate Fellows take their leadership to the next level by leading Black SEL High School Clubs. These clubs serve as hubs for student-led initiatives, discussions, and community projects focused on social-emotional learning and advocacy. Fellows empower their peers to engage in meaningful conversations and take action on issues impacting the Black community.

Black SEL empowers African-American Gen Z to strengthen democracy by championing voter registration and civic engagement. Through community service and advocacy, Black SEL Advocates inspire youth to shape policies, drive change, and build a more inclusive society. Fellows will:

  • Promote voter education and registration among their peers.
  • Engage in civic activities and community discussions to amplify youth voices.
  • Advocate for policies that support Black communities and social justice initiatives.

YPAR empowers young people to lead transformative change by equipping them with critical research skills such as developing questions, designing protocols, collecting data, and analyzing results. Over six months, Black SEL advocates explored the impact of community violence and social media on SEL, presenting their findings through compelling research posters at the Black SEL Summit. This experience fostered positive self-esteem, strengthened community connections, and enhanced civic engagement, positioning these advocates as catalysts for meaningful change in their communities.

Meet Our Advocate

Facilitator

Terrell Young

Terrell Young, also known as, Coach is a dynamic keynote speaker, Family Strategist, and Cultural Media Influencer dedicated to fostering equity and breaking barriers in Global Urban Education. As the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Restorative Practice Coach at a Wake County high school, Coach Young empowers communities through transformative insights and bold leadership. Over the past few years, he has served as the moderator and dynamic host of the Black SEL Summit and was a facilitator at last year’s Black SEL Summer Institute. Host of the acclaimed Young Intellect Podcast, he challenges norms, inspires action, and lives by a mission to extend love and hope to all he encounters.
Student Advocate

Gallery

Advocates in Action!

↑