Youth Aligned in Prevention (YAP) Initiative 2026-2027 Cohort

Written By Robin Graber

Who is FCASV?

As the state’s sexual assault coalition, the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) is dedicated to victims and survivors of sexual violence and the sexual assault programs that serve them.

Our Vision

We envision a world free of sexual violence in which individuals together assure that all human beings are treated with dignity and respect for their physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual integrity.

Our Mission

Sexual violence shatters lives, wounds communities, and perpetuates injustice. The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence leads, informs, and inspires the people of Florida to create safe and just communities.

What is the Youth Aligned in Prevention (YAP) initiative?

FCASV is looking to engage Florida’s young people in the movement against sexual violence. The Youth Aligned in Prevention (YAP) initiative is an opportunity to elevate the experiences and expertise of Florida youth while also allowing young people to gain professional development.

The goal of this program is to strengthen economic supports, create protective environments, and promote social norms to prevent sexual violence. This initiative is funded by the CDC’s Rape Prevention and Education: Enhancing Capacity for Sexual Violence Prevention Across State and Territory Sexual Assault Coalitions grant.

Members of the YAP cohort will be financially compensated for their work with the initiative and will have access to professional development opportunities. Apply for the YAP initiative here.

Program Overview

The YAP cohort will consist of 6 Florida-based young leaders.

Anticipated projects that the cohort will participate in include the development & distribution of a statewide sexual violence prevention social marketing campaign, presentations to Florida Rape Crisis Centers and other partners in the movement against sexual violence on engaging youth for social change and sexual violence prevention, and a greening project.

This initiative will provide participating YAP consultants with:

  • A peer learning community of Florida youth leaders to create a supportive network of leaders and develop a space for learning from each other.

  • Professional growth and experience in program development and youth engagement.

  • Opportunities offered through the program (e.g., presentations to allied professionals in the movement, working with other young people to create youth-driven solutions, etc.).

  • Support in advocating for more youth mentorship programs and advocacy tools for youth-driven violence interventions.

  • A better understanding of the movement against sexual violence and the field of social work, and knowledge of sexual assault programs and the role of certified rape crisis centers in the state of Florida.

  • Compensation for general participation and speaking engagements ($81.25 per hour).

General Cohort Timeline: September 2025 - June 2026, with the possibility of project extension.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for the Youth Aligned in Prevention initiative, applicants must:

  • Be living in the state of Florida

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 24 years old at the time of applying

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the goals of the program

  • Have experience relevant to the focus areas of the program (e.g., youth who are from communities or data-driven populations disproportionately affected by sexual violence, youth from rural communities, youth with experience navigating services, etc.)

  • Understanding of how the overlap of various social identities contributes to higher rates of violence and harm

  • Have an interest in your local community/city/state

  • Have an interest in the prevention of sexual violence 

  • Have an interest in youth mentorship

The application process will prioritize young people from underserved and disproportionately affected communities. Young men, parents, and individuals not pursuing traditional higher education are encouraged to apply.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Expectations for Participation

Below are the participation expectations for YAP consultants:

  • Attend 1-2 virtual meetings per month (on average 2 hours per month, excluding the month of in-person convening).

  • Complete independent work relevant to projects.

  • Attend a 2-day cohort gathering with FCASV project staff in Tallahassee, FL (FCASV will cover travel, lodging, and meals at the state rate).

  • Participate in at least 1 hands-on community project.

  • Participate in at least 3 speaking engagements coordinated by FCASV that could include trainings, webinars, community events, etc.

  • Participate in at least 2 one-on-one check-ins with the project manager.

  • Contribute to and collaborate on the creation of a statewide sexual violence prevention social marketing campaign.

  • Participate in feedback, research processes, and program evaluation, including interviews and surveys.

  • Commitment to advocating for more youth leadership and empowerment programs that provide supportive networks and advocacy tools for youth-driven prevention efforts.

Once selected, all YAP consultants will be required to pass a Level 2 Clearinghouse Background Screening and complete the Florida Department of Children and Family’s Affidavit of Good Moral Character.

Program Timeline

Applications for YAP consultants are due August 21, 2026, by 11:59 pm ET.

Interviews for selected candidates will be held the week of August 31st.

Applicants will receive notice of their application status by September 18th.

Apply Now
Robin Graber