MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER YOUTH PROGRAMS
For over a decade the MAC has cultivated the next generation of social justice leaders through our comprehensive high school leadership development programs. The Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) is a social justice, leadership development and service-learning program where students explore strategies for social change, leadership skills, and social justice issues. UCREW offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about social entrepreneurship. By the end of the program, students will have conceptualized, produced, marketed, and launched a small social enterprise business. These year-round, leadership programs serve 100 students annually.
Are you ready to join a community that not only centers your voice, but also celebrates your creativity and passion for creating a better future? Apply to our Youth Education Programs!
New to our youth programs? Apply HERE!
Returning member of our youth programs? Complete this FORM!
Graduating high school in Spring 2022? Congrats! Click HERE to help us keep in touch!
MACCS & UCrew applications are open for our 2023-2024 cohorts!
The Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) is a diverse group of young leaders, committed to improving themselves and their communities through the practice of Muhammad Ali’s six core principles: Respect, Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Spirituality, and Giving. As a youth-led organization, these dynamic students make decisions that guide the course of their service work and leadership development.
Watch the latest MACCS Panel discussion: "Continuing the Dream. Continuing the Legacy"!
What is the Muhammad Ali Center UCREW Program?
UCREW is a ground-breaking social enterprise program of the Muhammad Ali Center available to high school students. The program offers a unique opportunity for students to not only learn about social entrepreneurship, but to work in teams to develop an actual social enterprise. During the school year, students will meet twice monthly to explore the issue of “poverty” in their communities and to reflect on ways to combat local poverty through creative business endeavors. By the end of the program, students will have conceptualized, produced, marketed, and launched a small social enterprise business.
Program Benefits
- Confidence building and leadership development.
- Meet and engage in dialogue with community leaders and inspirational speakers.
- Encourage teamwork and develop strong communications skills.
- Find your voice for social change, and understand the value and power of giving.
Program Benefits
- Confidence building and leadership development.
- Meet and engage in dialogue with community leaders and inspirational speakers.
- Encourage teamwork and develop strong communications skills.
- Find your voice for social change, and further your understanding of the cycle of poverty in our community.
- Learn the foundation for building your own social entrepreneurship.
Qualifications
High school students in grades 10-12 who demonstrate the following:
- Involvement in community service or extra-curricular activities in school or community.
- Potential to develop leadership skills.
- Excellent attendance, good academic grades, and exemplary conduct are expected.
Qualifications
High school students in grades 9-12 who demonstrate the following:
- Involvement in community service or extra-curricular activities in school or community.
- Potential to develop leadership skills.
- Excellent attendance, good academic grades, and exemplary conduct are expected.
Program Requirements
- Students must be available to meet two evenings per month at the Center.
- Students must be able to participate in learning projects throughout the year.
Supported in part by Louisville Metro Government Department of Community Services.

Program Requirements
- Students must be available to meet two evenings per month at the Center.
- Students must be able to participate in service projects throughout the year.
Program dates: August 2019 – May 2020
Who is eligible to apply: Any high school student in the Louisville area.
Application deadline: Applications are currently closed.
For more information, please email education@alicenter.org.

Muhammad Ali Center's Youth Program Statistics
Geographic Diversity
- Our students live in 34 different zip codes throughout the Louisville region.
Socio-Economic Status
- 18% of our students live in zip codes with medium incomes at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of 4—$25,750.
- 27% of our students live in zip codes with medium incomes at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of 4—$38,625.
- 12% of our students attend Title 1 Schools.
Demographics
- Our program is racially diverse. Our students self-identify as:
- 48% Black/African
- 21% White
- 13% Multiracial
- 7% Asian/Indian
- 7% Hispanic/Latinx
- 4% Middle Eastern
- Our students self-identify as:
- 60% Female/Woman
- 38% Male/Man
- 2% Trans/Non-Binary
Higher Education
- At least 14% of our participants are first-generation college students. 11% of our students did not respond or responded “unknown.”
- At the outset of the program, 83% of our students indicated that they intended to pursue a college or upper level degree.
- Over the past 5 years, 100% of our graduates have gone on to attend a 2 or 4-year college.