Young African Americans for Social & Political Activism (YAASPA)

Young African Americans for Social & Political Activism (YAASPA) is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds civic literacy, racial identity awareness, and career pathways in the social sciences for young people of color. Founded in 2010 and led by Dr. Janiece Z. Mackey, YAASPA runs school-based, out-of-school, and summer programming alongside workforce and incubation supports for youth pursuing social-justice careers. YAASPA operates a Youth Council and signature programs including civic engagement & career courses, the Y Incubator workforce pathway, summer Artivism camp, and community wellness initiatives. In recent filings the organization reported serving several hundred students across its core program areas and has grown its annual budget and foundation support in the last few years. YAASPA positions itself as both an education and youth leadership organization that partners with schools, foundations, and civic funders to expand opportunities for underserved and BIPOC youth to engage in civic life and pursue social-science careers.