PANCRETAN YOUTH OF AMERICA The PYA is the oldest federation of Greek American youth organizations in the nation. Founded in 1948, tens of thousands of Greek American youth and young adults have passed through its ranks into adulthood, keeping alive the sacred traditions, history and heritage of their ancestral homeland--the island of Crete. The PYA is comprised of twenty organized youth chapters and members at large from throughout the United States and Canada and is governed by a national Board of Directors, which is democratically elected at biennial national conventions. Membership benefits include the opportunity to participate in an active, democratic federation of young adults sharing the same ideals and heritage, scholarships for university level students, summer study and travel programs in Crete, the building of cultural ties to Crete and so much more. The PYA's purpose is to promote and develop social and cultural relationships and mutuality among all of the Cretans and their descendants residing in America. To promote and develop education through scholarships. To raise voluntary contributions and funds to aid philanthropic institutions in the United States, Canada, on the island of Crete, and to other philanthropic purposes. And, to work in cooperation with and as a part of the PAA, promoting its activities and programs in addition to the activities and programs of the PYA.