FAQ: American Heart Association's 2025-26 National Youth Heart Ambassadors Program

What is the Youth Heart Ambassadors program?

It’s an American Heart Association initiative that selects students with personal connections to heart disease or stroke to serve as ambassadors promoting heart health awareness and healthy habits in schools and communities.

How many students were selected as ambassadors for 2025-26?

15 students from first through 12th grade were selected as national Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year.

Why were these particular students chosen as ambassadors?

Each ambassador has a personal connection to heart disease or stroke, either as survivors or student advocates, bringing unique voices and experiences to promote heart health awareness.

What specific health issues will the ambassadors focus on?

They will promote physical and mental well-being, raise awareness of heart disease and stroke prevention, and advocate for Hands-Only CPR and AEDs in schools.

What are some examples of the ambassadors’ personal heart health experiences?

Examples include Ava born with Tetralogy of Fallot, Bodhi who had open-heart surgery at age 3, Dylan with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Heather who survived cardiac arrest at school, Julianna with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, and Diya with Transposition of the Great Arteries.

Which American Heart Association initiatives do these ambassadors represent?

The ambassadors represent the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ initiatives.

What is the significance of this program given current youth health trends?

The program addresses rising rates of mental and physical health challenges among young Americans by engaging student ambassadors to spark change in schools and communities nationwide.

How will these ambassadors make an impact in their communities?

They will use their personal stories to encourage healthy habits, support children with heart conditions, and help build a culture of health for future generations through peer engagement and advocacy.

What grade levels are represented among the ambassadors?

The ambassadors range from first grade through 12th grade, representing elementary, middle, and high school students across the country.

When does the ambassador program take place?

The Youth Heart Ambassadors program is for the 2025-26 school year, with the announcement made on August 20, 2025.