They Don’t Just Attend — They Transform

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As I sit down to write this, I keep thinking about something I witnessed this summer—something that reminded me why Youth Leadership Authority exists.

I’m Marie Tomao-Miklosko, Founder and President of YLA. I’ve seen hundreds of teens grow through our programs… but nothing prepared me for what happened at Lake Mead in July.

Our students don’t simply participate—they push through challenges alongside Navy SEALs, Marines, police officers, and firefighters. They kayak across open water. They complete the “sugar cookie” challenge—rolling in sand after being soaked to learn that leadership sometimes begins with discomfort. They take on The Murph Challenge: 2 miles. 100 pull-ups. 200 push-ups. 300 squats.

They build team Passion Projects centered on Faith, Family, Helping Others, and Legacy, living out YLA’s five core values:

Honesty. Respect. Peace. Kindness. Humility.

Gemma’s Story

When Gemma Garcia joined the Summer Leadership Series, she was quiet and unsure of herself.

Twelve weeks later—after training with Navy SEALs and Marines—she stood in front of a panel of elite military leaders and delivered her Passion Project with such power that there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

She earned our “Most Impacted Starfish” award and whispered to me:

“Ms. Marie, you were right. They always come back.”

She wasn’t just talking about our graduates.
She was talking about herself—returning to who she was meant to be.

Help Forge the Next Generation of American Heroes ()

What YOU Made Possible in 2025

38 Starfish, Eagles & Guards completed our 12-week Summer Leadership Series
35 students completed the life-changing Retreat Challenge
7 graduates entered the United States Marine Corps
62% of alumni serve as police, firefighters, Sailors, SEALs, or Marines
33,000 flags placed on Memorial Weekend to honor the fallen
Students donated $400+ of their own money to feed the homeless

And YLA does all this with only two employees—the rest is heart, grit, and volunteerism.

Most students pay nothing for programs valued at $3,900 and $1,900.

This is only possible because of champions like you.

We’re Planning for 2026 — and We Need You

Your support shapes teens like Stephen Caballero, Gemma Garcia, Stacy Mora, Cezar Alvarez, Michelle Villalobos, and so many others into the heroes our nation needs.

Our graduates don’t disappear—they come back to lead.
This year, Navy sailors Arron and Alex Ballard, YLA alumni, returned to train the next generation.

This is the legacy you help build.

“As iron sharpens iron, we forge leaders who serve with character, faith, and purpose.”

Will you help forge the next generation?

Donate Now — Transform a Teen’s Life

Your Gift in Action

$50 sponsors a leadership challenge
$100 funds a Passion Project presentation
$250 supports the Retreat Challenge
$500 trains one Starfish
$1,000 sends a Guard to train with Navy SEALs
$1,900 funds a full Retreat Challenge scholarship
$3,900 provides a full Summer Leadership Series scholarship

Or give any amount that is meaningful to you.

DONATE TODAY