The Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) is a teen-led initiative of the Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC), designed to connect and empower student high school artists across the Lamorinda community. Through a private Discord server and electronic mailing list, YAP members are able to stay in contact year-round. They share opportunities for publishing and contests, giving feedback on each other’s work, and collaborating on projects. There is no charge for enrollment or participation in YAP.
YAP uses the Discord as a central invitation-only hub where teens exchange information about art and writing contests — from local to national, like the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards — along with local performance opportunities, such as Teen Open Mics, led by YAP members through LAC’s Art Embraces Poetry and similar programs. Winning these contests, performing in these open mics, and earning recognition plays a vital role for students applying to colleges, as it showcases their artistic achievements on applications and resumes.
The link to join the Discord is provided after the preliminary forms below are filled out, submitted and accepted by the YAP team. Student artists will receive confirmation by email that they are accepted as members within one week of receipt of all required forms.
Faculty mentors such as English teachers and administrative officials at each high school serve as points of contact. They help to spread the word, provide guidance, recommend students for participation, and ensure that the program reaches those who may benefit most.
Beyond online connections, YAP creates spaces for in-person collaboration and celebration of the arts. Events such as LAC’s August 23, 2025 Teen Open Mic at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette gives students a chance to perform, showcase visual art, or share writing in front of peers and community members. These events, paired with the ongoing digital conversations on Discord, ensure that young artists remain connected and inspired.
By joining online networking with live events, YAP builds a creative network in which teen artists can find mentorship, encouragement, and practical resources to help their art, and themselves, thrive. LAC board members and co-chairs involved in arts and literature review YAP activities on a regular basis.
ENROLLING IN YAP
YAP Ambassadors leave paper forms in local high schools as well as providing an online form. YAP Ambassadors register their contact information and invite them to enroll in the YAP program by completing these forms:
LAC YAP Parent Photography and Media Consent Form*
*Please download, sign and email these forms to yap@lamorindaarts.org
For information, email yap@lamorindaarts.org or call 925-359-9940.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
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NEWS & RESOURCES
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