LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Youth Cabinet and partners are looking to recognize young people facing adversity.

Amplify 502 is a new program dedicated to recognizing and mentoring people ages 13 through 24  in Jefferson County.

Claudette Patton said she's dedicated to helping others.

“I never want a youth to feel like someone wants to be their dream vampire or to destroy their dream," Patton said. 

When Patton was in high school, she had big plans.

“I had an adult who was in a leadership position look at me and say, 'Honey, you've got to look at your ZIP code because a girl from your ZIP code is never going to go to college and be a lawyer,'" Patton said. 

Patton became the first college graduate in her family, receiving her bachelor's, law degree and master's in education from the University of Louisville and has been nationally recognized for her volunteer work.

Now, she’s partnering with the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods to help young people in Jefferson County with Amplify 502

“The program is to be an encouragement for our youth, and it is to be an opportunity to recognize someone who may go unrecognized but to also provide mentorship opportunities," Patton said. 

Amplify 502 recipients will be mentored by the Louisville Youth Cabinet, meet local and state officials and more.

"It’s about not just spreading love across the city and giving these youth an opportunity to show them our city stands by them, but it’s an opportunity to amplify their own selves, amplify your career, your education," said Louisville Metro Youth Cabinet member Kofi Aboussa.

Nominations for Amplify 502 are open and due March 6. 

“No matter what your what socioeconomic status is, whatever hardship that you’ve had or what ZIP code you may live in, your ZIP code does not define your destiny," Patton said. 

Local and state officials will recognize those selected from the nominations and will qualify for congressional awards and recognition.