Youth Service America (YSA) – the global organization that improves communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving in substantive roles – announces its partnership with the Miss Virginia Organization and current Miss Virginia Elizabeth Crot on service-based initiatives in 2011-2012.

With a platform of “Get Involved – Change Your World,” the 23-year-old Crot was crowned Miss Virginia 2011 in June and will compete in the 2012 Miss America competition this January. The James Madison University graduate will travel the state speaking to youth, participating in service projects and promoting her cause.

“The Miss Virginia Organization feels this partnership will enhance Elizabeth’s year of service,” said Harlen Gudger, Executive Director, The Miss Virginia Organization. “She is extremely focused on youth making a difference in communities through service and is excited to work with a proven organization in Youth Service America.”

Throughout the year, Youth Service America will make opportunities available for Crot with YSA grantees as well as partner organizations such as Volunteer Fairfax, Volunteer Center of the Virginia Peninsula, Family Services of Roanoke Valley and Hanover County Department of Community Resources. Last academic year, YSA disseminated more than one million dollars in grants, a record-high for the organization, and anticipates surpassing that number in 2011-2012.

“After our successful Global Youth Service Day event with The Miss America Organization, we felt this partnership with the Miss Virginia Organization was a natural fit,” said Steve Culbertson, YSA President and CEO. “Elizabeth’s cause aligns nicely with Youth Service America’s as we are both passionate about youth changing the world."In April, Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan participated in a Global Youth Service Day project in Jamaica, Queens learning the traditional Filipino dance “tinikling.” The service event, made possible by a UnitedHealth HEROES grant, was featured on Fox & Friends and focused on combating childhood obesity. Global Youth Service Day is the world’s largest youth-led service event.