BOCA RATON, Fla. | January 14, 2026 – On January 9, 2026, Madeline Grace Asbell, Caregiving Youth Ambassador for Texas with the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), appeared on Spectrum News 1 Texas, where she shared her story as a Caregiving Youth and discussed the Caregiving Youth Service Hours Program now being piloted in Leander Independent School District.
Asbell introduced the pilot program to Leander ISD in partnership with AACY, helping establish a pathway for high school students who provide care at home for family members with chronic illness, disability, injury, and/or aging-related needs to have their caregiving recognized as community service hours.
During the interview, Asbell explained how caregiving responsibilities often limit students’ ability to participate in traditional volunteer activities, despite the significant responsibility, skill, and consistency caregiving requires.
“There is a huge misconception that caregivers are solely adults,” Asbell said during the interview. “Caregiving Youth are supporting family members at home while balancing school, extracurricular activities, and their own well-being.”
The Caregiving Youth Service Hours Program exists to ensure students who take on substantial caregiving responsibilities are seen and valued for the care they provide at home. Through the program, eligible students in grades 9 through 12 may apply to receive an official hours award letter from AACY, encouraging school recognition in accordance with district policy.
AACY is proud of Madeline Grace Asbell for sharing her story of Caregiving Youth and for her leadership in Texas and introducing this pilot program in Leander ISD.
Media Inquiries
For interviews or more information about Madeline Grace Asbell’s advocacy work, please contact Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP, Member of the AACY National Advisory Council and Founder of Blue Water Homecare and Hospice.
jen@bluewaterhomecare.com
AACY Media Contact
Sara Poole
National Advisory Council Chair, U.S. Development
American Association of Caregiving Youth
poole.sara@gmail.com
More Information on the Pilot Program Announcement and Eligibility Here