March, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Carmen Delgado, Communications Manager – carmen@elsistemausa.org
Five member organizations selected through a national review process to strengthen youth leadership across the El Sistema USA network
Durham, NC – El Sistema USA® (ESUSA) is pleased to announce the five member organizations selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), a national initiative designed to strengthen youth leadership and expand pathways for young musicians across the El Sistema USA network.
The Youth Leadership Institute represents the next evolution of El Sistema USA’s Youth Ambassadors program, expanding the model by partnering directly with member organizations to embed youth leadership into local program structures while strengthening collaboration across the national field.
Selected organizations were chosen through a competitive application process. Applications were reviewed by five panelists using a rubric-based review process that evaluated each organization’s commitment to youth leadership, program readiness, and potential to elevate youth voice within their communities.
The following organizations have been selected for the 2026 Youth Leadership Institute cohort:
- El Sistema Colorado — Denver, Colorado
- El Sistema Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, California
- ESYO CHIME — Schenectady, New York
- INTEMPO — Stamford, Connecticut
- The Raleigh Music Collective — Raleigh, North Carolina
Through the Youth Leadership Institute, high school musicians and their program leaders participate together in a year-long cohort experience, one that develops youth voice, civic engagement, and pathways to higher education and careers in music, while equipping programs to build lasting structures for student leadership from within.
Selected organizations will nominate students from their programs to serve as Youth Ambassadors, with final youth selections to be announced in April 2026.
The cohort will convene for a week-long in-person residency at Kinhaven in Weston, Vermont (May 20–25, 2026) and continue with virtual engagement and coaching throughout the year, creating sustainable models of youth leadership that strengthen both local programs and the broader national movement.
This program is made possible through support from the NAMM Foundation.
About El Sistema USA
El Sistema USA (ESUSA) works to ensure every child has access to high-quality music education that celebrates their voice and potential by building a national network of member organizations and educators.
With 150 member programs serving 30,000 students, we support our network with staff development and training, research and data, student leadership programs, and advocacy for the field. Our model emphasizes high-quality music education, equity & access, and holistic impact.
We envision a world in which every child—regardless of income, geography, or identity—has access to a high-quality music education program that builds community, opportunity, and personal growth.