FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Emily Cambre, Public Relations Coordinator, Youth Villages
901-832-2094 | emily.cambre@youthvillages.org

JACKSON, Miss. (Mar. 25, 2026) — Youth Villages is proud to announce that Layla Nytes, a participant in its LifeSet™ program, has been selected for the 2026 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Foster Youth Internship Program in Washington, D.C. She is one of only 10 young adults chosen nationwide for this year’s cohort.

Nytes’ selection marks a major milestone: she is the first Mississippi youth since 2008 to be invited into this highly competitive program.

Nytes is a junior at Jackson State University, majoring in political science. She is currently serving as a page at the Mississippi State Capitol, a Jim Casey Fellow and vice chair for the Mississippi Youth Voice.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to use my voice on a national platform to advocate for young people, especially those impacted by foster care,” Nytes said. “I’m looking forward to learning from the other participants in the program and working together to create meaningful change.”

The CCAI Foster Youth Internship Program places young adults with lived experience in foster care in Congressional offices or federal agency internships, where they work on policy issues affecting children and families. Participants spend seven weeks over the summer on Capitol Hill researching challenges within the child welfare system and presenting policy recommendations to federal leaders.

“We are incredibly proud of Layla for earning this prestigious opportunity,” said Erica Robinson, state director of Youth Villages Mississippi. “Her voice, experience and leadership will have a meaningful impact on child welfare policy at the national level.”

To qualify for the internship, Nytes completed a two-part application process that consisted of assessing specific legislative interest, writing ability and a brief phone call. Then, the selection committee chose the top 15 to 20 applicants and conducted interviews via Zoom. Nytes was accepted into the program in January.

About Youth Villages

Youth Villages is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families, and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Working through direct services, partnerships, with innovative public agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health, and justice systems. Last fiscal year, our 5,000 employees served more than 47,000 children and young adults in more than 120 locations in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations.

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