During the 2012 NAD Conference, we witnessed a moment in history — the last Miss Deaf America Ambassador Competition. After forty years, in the fall of 2012, the NAD unveiled a new and modern program, the NAD Youth Ambassador Program that welcomed young deaf and hard of hearing female and male Americans who vie to become NAD youth ambassadors.

In 2014, the NAD YAP showcased its first competition in Atlanta, GA. The winners were Ryan Hait-Campbell and Elena Mayer. The first few competitions had two winners: one female and one male. This later changed in 2018 with one Ambassador and one Runner Up, regardless of gender or identity.  

The NAD YAP is a competition for deaf and hard of hearing youth ages 18 to 30 who compete for the NAD Youth Ambassador title. The young and talented contestants from around the country are required to complete Rounds One and Two before the Conference and then compete in Rounds Three-Five during the week.