Two dedicated National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) Youth Ambassadors have been selected to receive scholarships to support their post-secondary education. Each scholar will receive $1500 as a result of an application and evaluation process that included an essay and a review of their participation in the NPF Youth Ambassador program.
Psoriatic disease, which can manifest at any age, presents a unique set of challenges for children and young adults. About one-third of people with psoriasis develop it before age 20. Psoriatic disease can adversely impact social interactions, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Adolescents can face significant difficulties as they transition from childhood to adulthood while dealing with the physical and emotional impacts of psoriatic disease.
To address these challenges, NPF launched the Youth Ambassadors program in 2016. It creates opportunities for young people to engage with others living with psoriatic disease and to serve as community leaders. NPF Youth Ambassadors act as role models to help peers manage and take control of their disease and inspire others with psoriatic disease to lead confident and fulfilling lives.
The 2026 Youth Ambassador Scholarship Recipients
- Brianna Pham of Sacramento, California, is a full-time student in the Los Rios Community College District. In addition to her studies, Brianna serves as the student trustee for California’s second-largest community college district, representing students across its four campuses.
“I volunteer to provide the support and community that my younger self longed for while navigating psoriasis. This program has given me a sense of community and allowed me to connect with a like-minded individual across the country.” - Elizabeth Wansley is a junior at Augusta University, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish. She is from nearby Thomson, Georgia. Elizabeth’s goal is to pursue a career in law and eventually become a federal judge. Elizabeth joined the Youth Ambassador team in 2023 and is the 2026 Lead Youth Ambassador.
“I am passionate about supporting research to understand psoriasis and its effects, while also building a strong community of accepting and helpful people and giving back to the organization that truly changed my life.”
“The Youth Ambassador program empowers youth living with psoriatic disease by joining them with peers, offering guidance and education around community engagement, and providing leadership opportunities,” said Audrey Riggs, NPF Volunteer Services Manager, who manages the program. “Elizabeth and Brianna embody the ideals of the program. NPF is proud to support them in their next steps.”
The National Psoriasis Foundation congratulates these two worthy scholarship recipients on their selection as the 2026 awardees.
Learn more about the NPF Youth Ambassador program.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading nonprofit representing individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The mission of NPF is to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of more than 8 million individuals in the United States affected by this chronic immune-mediated disease. Learn more at psoriasis.org.