The Youth Activation Council (YAC) is a group of young people both with and without intellectual disabilities from across North Carolina that work as agents of change to create more inclusive environments in their schools and communities.  The YAC students demonstrate and develop their leadership skills, and play important roles in furthering the mission of Special Olympics and Project UNIFY throughout the state.

The YAC work together, both in person and electronically, to educate, motivate, and activate youth to make a difference in their communities and to advocate for the respect, inclusion, and acceptance of all people.

North Carolina is proud to have two students (Isabella Smith of Lincoln County and Monayzia Taylor of Stanley County) serve on the National Youth Activation Committee.

The National YAC is made up of young people from across the country who provide advice and counsel on strategies designed to reach other youth, engage in and promote Special Olympics activities in their home environments, communicate the initiatives of Special Olympics Project UNIFY, and network with other youth and U.S. Programs on a local, national, and global basis.