Washington Youth Leadership Seminar

The LNESC Washington Youth Leadership Seminar is an annual leadership development program that brings together 50+ aspiring high school Latino leaders from across the United States and Puerto Rico. Activities focus on leadership development, advocacy training, college access, career exploration, and professional development.

Throughout the seminar, participants focus on their own leadership and how to apply what they have learned back in their communities. The program provides participants the opportunity to meet with Congressional members, Corporate America representatives, and public and private institution representatives. Participants are challenged to graduate from high school and enroll in a postsecondary educational program.

Program Design

Participants attend a series of workshops to prepare them to be leaders within their communities. Workshops focus on leadership development, basics of advocacy, career exploration, and professional development.  The event will include a forum with leaders in government, corporate, and non-profit organizations.

Participants will develop an understanding of leadership and enhance their leadership abilities as measured using a pre- and post- program survey. Participant progress is tracked through the National Student Clearinghouse to verify college retention and completion rates.

Participant Requirements

  • 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

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.

Student Voices


Partners