The YOLA National Festival is an opportunity for students from El Sistema‐inspired and aligned programs throughout the United States to perform as part of a top‐tier national youth orchestra. By offering young people the opportunity to learn from exceptional musicians, including world renowned conductors and guest artists, students become ambassadors of their programs and engage with young people from diverse regions and backgrounds. The festival orchestra aims to develop a model for excellence and a national community of citizen musicians from historically excluded populations in the United States. Students will not only have access to top artistic and educational resources, but will also experience some of the world’s finest learning institutions and concert venues.