During the NAACP 1935 National Convention, several young people challenged the organization to provide young people with an opportunity to address Civil Rights issues facing the nation's youth.  

The NAACP National Board of Directors passed a resolution formally creating the Youth and College Division in March of 1936.

At the historical first youth meeting held in Baltimore, Maryland June 29-July 4, 1936, 217 youth delegated held a national conference to address four major areas:  Equal educational opportunities, equal economic opportunities, civil rights and physical security against lynching.

The Youth and College Chapters were formed around the nation through various colleges and universities holding numerous student-sit-ins, protest for job opportunities, to be served in restaurants and to stop the lynchings of African-Americans.

The NAACP Youth and College Division currently comprise over 2,000 units, representing young people across the United States and other countries.