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Quiana McKenzie ’08 Receives YP4 Fellowship

Quiana McKenzie ’08 was named a 2008 YP4 (Young People For) Fellow, one of 200 selected from 89 campuses in 23 states. McKenzie is the only fellow chosen from the state of Virginia.

The YP4 leadership development program focuses on identifying, engaging and empowering young progressive leaders to effect positive change on their campuses and in their communities. Throughout the yearlong fellowship, students are offered financial support, technical support and media assistance while implementing a self-designed Blueprint for Social Justice.

McKenzie, who is majoring in American Government and Society, with a concentration in poverty studies and African-American studies, said, “My yearlong project will focus on increasing student involvement in the policymaking process. Specifically, I would like to work with students who are interested in using their experiences to inform state and national leaders about poverty and influence policies designed to help the poor in rural and urban environments. I will have the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000 to help me implement my project.”

Her fellowship also provides an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, from Jan. 17–21, 2008, to attend YP4’s National Summit for Young Progressive Leaders.

While at W&L, McKenzie has demonstrated extensive leadership skills, working with the Multicultural Student Association, the General Activities Board, the Courses and Degrees Committee and the Shepherd Poverty Program Advisory Board. She has also served as a dorm counselor, a peer counselor and a tutor and mentor for the Lexington Office on Youth.

Founded in 2004, Young People For provides a national infrastructure to support young leaders’ ongoing activism on the frontlines and facilitates connections to leaders and organizations in the progressive movement. YP4 gives young people the opportunity to join and lead a movement that works for the protection and advancement of our nation’s core, democratic values. To learn more about the organization and the 2008 fellows, visit http://www.youngpeoplefor.org/ and www.youngpeoplefor.org/fellowship/classof2008/.