Justice students encouraged to become Public Health Youth Ambassadors

Justice High School students interested in a health career are encouraged to apply for the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program’s fall 2025 cohort. 

The program offers instruction to students in grades 10-12 in learning about community health, teen mental health, and reducing opioid use.

Students who qualify for the Youth Ambassador program take classes and participate in hands-on activities three days a week during their advisory period.

Related story: Justice students learn about health careers at Inova Fairfax Hospital

The community health worker curriculum is offered during the school day at John R. Lewis High School and Mount Vernon High School, as well as Justice. High school students who do not attend those schools can take Youth Ambassador classes at the Fairfax County Government Center during evenings and weekends.

Students who complete the program receive certifications from Morehouse College and George Mason University.

The application deadline for the fall 2025 cohort is 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Justice graduate Nayla Bonilla Mendez says the Public Health Youth Ambassador program helped “solidify my passion for public health, while giving me a unique perspective as a first-generation student navigating the education system.” Nayla is currently pursuing a public health degree at William and Mary University.