We're happy to share that the YTI Summer Academy returned in-person this summer!

Since 1993, the Youth Theological Initiative (YTI) Summer Academy has gathered high school students from around the world to Emory University to explore their questions about God, faith, and the world. We believe that the world needs youth empowered and equipped with theological skills to help build a more just and compassionate world, and so we introduce them to theological skills usually learned in seminary.

Though YTI’s in-person programming had to pause for the pandemic, we remained committed to empowering youth by expanding our online programs. Now with the return of our innovative in-person program, you can help make the life-transforming YTI experience possible for even more students.

The Need

In 2022, the true cost of the Summer Academy per Scholar was $7,000. Our highest costs are housing, food, staffing, and transportation. At the same time, we are committed to making the Summer Academy accessible to all youth regardless of their financial circumstances, and so the average fee paid this summer was $843. 

With this commitment in mind, we ask for your support to help YTI remain accessible. Please make your gift today to make YTI available for young people committed to creating a better world. 

"I was blown away at how deep into conversations we would dive, asking questions students usually wouldn’t think to ask in a normal classroom. I felt a sense of camaraderie as we spent more time talking and diving into concepts that you wouldn’t even think about if you weren’t pushed. It’s a time I don’t think I could ever forget.” 

-Recent YTI Participant