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Young Professionals in Training (YPiT) lead liaison, Jailin Sanders, "is a great testament to what an Auburn education can and should be," said Anna-Margaret Goldman, director of the Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement (CEOE).
YPiT, a youth-centered mentoring initiative of Auburn Outreach's CEOE, was founded in 2021 to facilitate opportunities for career development and access to higher education for local students.
Sanders began his journey with YPiT as a volunteer youth mentor during his time as an undergraduate student. In 2024, he transitioned into a role as an AmeriCorps VISTA, serving as the program's lead liaison.
Sanders plans the yearly educational themes, monthly learning sessions, learning excursions and celebratory ceremonies for the program, which currently engages 48 students in grades 7-12 and maintains a waiting list of prospective participants. During the past year, the program recorded 680 contact hours with participating students.
"Jailin is the glue of YPiT," said Tamarcus Milner, president and executive director of The Curtis House. Alabama Rep. Jeremy Gray founded The Curtis House in 2016 to serve the Jeter community in Opelika, Alabama.
YPiT partners with The Curtis House "to create a pipeline for students from disadvantaged neighborhoods to have an opportunity to be a part of the Auburn University family," shared Milner. Jailin's work with these students embodies the mission of Outreach.
In March 2026, Sanders led a successful student retreat in partnership with the Focus Initiative. The retreat was designed to expose students to various educational pathways in Alabama and west Georgia.
More than 100 students and parents attended the day retreat. Auburn University faculty and student leaders, along with representatives from Southern Union and Faulkner University, led presentations related to science, math and health-related careers.
A student panel was also organized to share experiences with youth and parents. The day ended with a National Pan-Hellenic Council showcase and stroll.
"We wanted to create a holistic experience, giving them a little taste of college life," Sanders said.
The event was "a testament to all the years of work," shared Sanders. Event attendees and leaders from the Focus Initiative reported high satisfaction with the activities.
In December 2025, Sanders graduated with a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering with a Minor in Business and Engineering Technology but chose to continue leading YPiT into 2026. Sanders was committed to working with the students through the end of the school year.
"He really believes in the work that we do, that we can make a difference," Goldman said. "He embodies the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed."
Through his service as a mentor, AmeriCorps VISTA and lead liaison, Sanders helped expand opportunities for local youth and strengthened YPiT's impact on the students it serves. As he pursues a career in higher education, the relationships he built and programs he helped lead will continue to benefit future participants.
"These moments and experiences have impacted me in ways that I can't even put into words," Sanders said. "I'm grateful that every step of the journey has led me to this opportunity to serve students."
