Washington Youth Leadership Seminar

The Washington Youth Leadership Seminar is an annual event that hosts 50 + high school juniors and seniors from across the United States and Puerto Rico. The seminar's goal is to nurture emerging Latino leaders and encourage participants to reflect upon and deploy the skills and lessons learned within their own communities.
 
During the Washington Youth Leadership Seminar, participants are not only immersed in cultivating their personal leadership skills, but are also empowered to translate these learnings into actions within their respective communities. This unparalleled opportunity paves the way for attendees to engage directly with influential figures, which include members of the presidential administration, esteemed Congressional leaders, leaders from Corporate America, and influential voices from both public and private sectors.
 
Participants are challenged to graduate from high school and enroll in a postsecondary educational program. The experiences inspire students across their professonal and academic journeys. 

Throughout the seminar, participants focus on their own leadership and how to apply what they have learned back in their communities.

Program Design

1. Tailored Workshops: Cultivate leadership attributes, understand the essence of advocacy, explore diverse career paths, and advance professional skills.
 
2. Exclusive Forum: Engage in dialogues with esteemed leaders in government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.
 
Additionally, we track academic trajectories through the National Student Clearinghouse to monitor college retention and completion rates.

How to Apply

This year’s seminar will be held virtually from October 1 to October 3, 2025.

  • The Washington Youth Leadership Seminar is completely free of charge to the selected students.    
  • Students who successfully complete the seminar by attending ALL workshops will be eligible to receive a $300 Visa gift card or a laptop valued at $350. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a high school junior or senior
  • Must be sponsored by an LNESC Center or a LULAC Council
  • Must demonstrate leadership and be actively involved in extracurricular activities
  • Must submit a copy of a high school transcript
  • Must complete the online application by 6 pm ET on Friday, August 29. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

To apply, click here.

Program Impact

  • One hundred percent (100%) of students reported they would likely get involved in their local communities after attending WYLS.
  • Ninety-six percent (96%)  of students reported they would likely get involved in their local communities after attending WYLS.
  • One hundred percent (100%) of participants agreed with the statement: “I gained valuable skills by participating in the Washington Youth Leadership Seminar.”
  • Ninety-six percent (96%) of students reported feeling more connected to the policy-making process following the workshops.
VIEW 2024 WYLS LOOKBOOK

Student Voices

"My experience at WYLS was one that cannot be topped. The chaperons and speakers were both intelligent and encouraging of inquiry. For those who want to improve their public speaking, learn how to be an effective leader, and explore the public policy process in the real world (must) definitely apply to be a part of this seminar."
 - 2019 WYLS Participant

"This was a highly informative and enriching program on so many levels, being able to have unique interactions with other students across the US was a lot of fun and I’m excited to use what I learned in college."
 - 2019 WYLS Participant

"Thank you all for making this a truly wonderful experience! Thank you for not only organizing this event, but for empowering youth all over the country to lead, advocate, and educate. I cannot express my gratitude enough!! Virtual hugs to all of you :)"
 - 2020 WYLS Participant

"My highlight was all the amazing, wonderful, eloquent, intelligent youth leaders that I now have the pleasure to call my friends and colleagues!!!"
 - 2020 WYLS Participant

"The presentations/activities I enjoyed most from are when speaking to those people that are in the career you are looking for. For example, I am interested in attorneys and the activities/presentations I was able to discuss with a young lady, Melanie Acuña, who was also an attorney. These presentations gave me a valuable resource to myself, and others, such as the position I want to be or not to be in, how to advocate for something better, and hear wonderful “experiences that took a lot of time and effort to be totally worth it."
 - WYLS 2021 Participant

"Thank you to everyone for giving me the experience to talk to guest speakers, listen to advice related to resume, and FAFSA, advocating classes, speaking with the Senator Elizabeth Warren. It was an experience that would definitely be on my college resume, and an experience I would discuss with other students and teachers in school, but not only in school, but with other individuals. Leadership is key!"
- WYLS 2021 Participant 

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