Derrick Young, Jr. is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and has resided in Kansas City, Missouri the majority of his life. Young began his tenure at Grambling State University in the Fall of 2011, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Throughout his adolescent years, he has been exposed to a vast array of professional and academic experiences in which his leadership capabilities and competence have launched him into a life of public service. With a love for policy and people, Young was chosen as an intern for the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Selected as one from thousands of applicants nationwide, he was placed at the University of Michigan for 3 months to conduct intense research on obesity, HIV and AIDS, tobacco and drug use, and other major health disparities faced by U.S. citizens. Young was later selected among 24 other young adults from across the country to be part of the National Minority AIDS Council. Being a 2013 NMAC Youth Scholar, Young learned the importance of building relationships with other advocates and plan to do the same this year. By attending USCA 2014 he looks forward to increasing his knowledge on HIV/AIDS giving him the necessary tools to advocate effectively and efficiently at his university, community and workplace.
