The team of S3 pupils Josh, Blake, and Sam were chosen to lead this year's event, which will bring together hundreds of young people, educators, and the third sector from across Scotland at Perth Concert Hall in June 2026.
The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) from the Wood Foundation involves around 300 secondary schools, who are each given £3,000 to donate to a local charity. S2 pupils are invited to choose a good cause and advocate for them to receive their school's share of the funds.
As part of their YPI project last year, Josh, Blake, and Sam successfully made the case for The James Young High School's £3,000 to go to West Lothian-based mental health charity, Neil's Hugs, in 2025.
The trio were invited back to host this year's final, with training including a visit to STV Studios, co-writing their own script and producing their own promotional introduction video.
The James Young High School Headteacher Tricia Gallagher said: "We are delighted that Josh, Blake, and Sam were chosen to host this year's national YPI event.
"It's an amazing opportunity to be picked to host such a major national event, after winning the school heat last year.
"All three have shown themselves to be fantastic ambassadors for our school values of compassion, aspiration, respect, equality, as well as positive ambassadors for young men in today's society.
"I'm sure they will once again make the whole school community proud once again, when they host the event in Perth next month."
Since its inception, YPI has engaged more than 430,000 young people across all 32 local authorities who have taken responsibility for £9.3m for charities tackling everything from mental health to food poverty.
This year's theme, Generation Change, will recognise the influence young people continue to make within their communities, while building confidence and future skills for the years ahead.
Through YPI, a generation has moved from being learners in a classroom to leaders in their communities, and the National Event promises to celebrate the pupils who have championed charities close to their hearts and shown a genuine commitment to social advocacy.
Sarah Chew, UK Chief Executive Officer at The Wood Foundation, said: "Each year, the National Event serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential of young people across Scotland and of what can be achieved when they are given both a platform and a voice.
"By placing the responsibility of a £3,000 grant directly into their hands, we are sending a clear message: their voices matter, and their decisions can have a meaningful and lasting impact.
"Through YPI, we are not simply educating young people about the world around them; we are equipping them with the confidence, skills and sense of responsibility to help shape it.
"It is also a valuable opportunity to recognise and bring together the many people and organisations who help make the programme possible, including our funding partners, local authority colleagues, third sector organisations and the schools whose continued enthusiasm and support play such an important role in the success of YPI."
