The National Youth Administration (NYA) was a New Deal program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. It operated from 1935 to 1943 and aimed to provide education, jobs, and training for young Americans between the ages of 16 and 25.

In Black history, the NYA played a significant role in advancing opportunities for African American youth. At a time when discrimination and segregation were rampant, the NYA provided valuable resources and support to Black youth across the country. This included job training, vocational education, and scholarships for further education.

Under the leadership of Mary McLeod Bethune, a prominent African American educator and civil rights leader, the NYA made efforts to ensure that Black youth had equal access to its programs and benefits. Bethune advocated for the inclusion of African Americans in NYA projects and worked to address the specific barriers faced by Black youth in accessing education and employment opportunities.

The NYA's support for Black youth helped to empower a generation of African Americans by providing them with the skills and resources needed to succeed. The program's impact can be seen in the many success stories of individuals who benefited from NYA programs and went on to make significant contributions to their communities and society at large.