The National Youth Administration (NYA) was a New Deal program established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide work and education for young Americans during the Great Depression. The NYA aimed to help young people develop skills and gain work experience to improve their chances of finding employment.

In Black history, the NYA played a significant role in providing opportunities for African American youth who faced systemic discrimination and limited access to education and job opportunities. Many Black youth were able to enroll in NYA programs, receive training, and gain valuable work experience that helped them secure better jobs and improve their economic prospects.

The NYA also supported the establishment of segregated units in many southern states to ensure that African American youth could participate in the program. While racial discrimination persisted within the NYA, the program nonetheless provided important resources and support for many young Black Americans during a challenging time in U.S. history.

Overall, the National Youth Administration in Black history served as a critical initiative that helped empower African American youth and provided them with opportunities for education, training, and employment during a period of widespread economic hardship and racial inequality.