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 for a two-day virtual seminar. 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 virtually meet with members of the presidential administration, Congressional leaders, 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. Traditionally, this event is hosted in Washington, DC, and includes advocacy visits on Capitol Hill. As a result of the pandemic, the virtual 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 / 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 September 9. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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

"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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