DALLAS, Aug. 20, 2025 — With young Americans facing rising rates of mental and physical health challenges [1] , the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is enlisting a new class of Youth Heart Ambassadors to spark change in schools and communities nationwide.
The Association selected 15 first through 12 th grade students from across the country as national Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year. Representing the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ initiatives, the student ambassadors will use their personal connection to heart disease and stroke to encourage others to adopt healthy habits and support children with heart conditions.
“These terrific, motivated ambassadors are engaging with their peers making a real impact in their schools and communities,” said Lee Shapiro, American Heart Association volunteer board chair and managing partner at 7wireVentures. “Their experiences, leadership and compassion will help build a culture of health for future generations, one child, one story and one heartbeat at a time.”
Each Youth Heart Ambassador has a personal connection to heart disease or stroke, whether as a survivor or a student advocate, and brings a unique voice to the cause. Together, they’ll promote the importance of physical and mental well-being, raise awareness of heart disease and stroke prevention and advocate for Hands-Only CPR and AEDs in schools.
Meet the 2025-26 national Youth Heart Ambassadors:
The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge in-school programs are grounded in science and designed to improve both physical and emotional well-being, support academic success and help students feel confident in their ability to make a difference.
Schools can register now for the 2025-26 school year at heart.org/getstarted . To learn how to become a future Youth Heart Ambassador, visit heart.org/youthambassador .
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
[1] Forrest, Christopher B., et al. “Trends in US Children’s Mortality, Chronic Conditions, Obesity, Functional Status, and Symptoms | Child Development | JAMA | Jama Network.” JAMA Network , JAMA, 7 July 2025, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2836060 .