No matter where you live, there are a lot of ways to learn about government, help shape the world around issues you care about, make important connections, get leadership experience, expand your world, and do something that makes you stand out.
Below: Here I am in the Colorado House of Representatives as part of an orientation trip for the Colorado Youth Advisory Council.
Here are five key programs or types of programs that offer great learning and leadership opportunities and are available wherever you live:
U.S. Senate Page Program
The U.S. Senate Page Program is highly prestigious and a super interesting semester-long experience. You’ll not only meet incredibly interesting leaders in Washington D.C. but a whole group of future leaders (your fellow pages!) from all over the country. This is a way to distinguish yourself fast. If accepted, you’ll live in a residence in downtown D.C. and go to school 6 to 10 am each weekday before working in the Senate. You get paid, part of which pays your housing and meals. Don’t be discouraged, my friend applied twice to get in. Most rural kids have never heard of it — this is one to target. Google U.S. Senate Page Program for all details and deadlines.
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
NSLI-Y is a merit-based scholarship program for American high school students to study critical languages abroad, or online. Participants live abroad and intensively study a foreign language critical to U.S. national security (no previous language study required). There are summer, year-long, and virtual programs. All funded. Super interesting. Expand your world, connections, and resume all at once. Google National Security Language Initiative for Youth for all details and deadlines.
State Youth Legislative Councils
Many states or Congressional districts have youth advisory councils (with seats for rural representation) that meet and work virtually. It’s worth Googling to see what is going on in your state. This is a way to start to have a real voice, meet mentors and like-minded peers, and reflect your interests and leadership.
Local Political Party Chapters
Many towns and counties have volunteer organizations for political parties that put on events, raise money, and are great connectors to the politicians of one’s state. Reach out and get involved with a simple “can I volunteer to help at X event” email? Many are really happy to have youth involved and the connections can be amazing. I helped set up and help out at a Democratic fundraiser near me where I met one of Colorado’s Senators, among many top state officials. The local head of the county association even gave me a ride there!
Student National Political Organizations for Youth
The most well-known and developed of these is High School Democrats of America, but there are others. They work entirely virtually and with a national student network, and they give you a structure for leading an effort right at your own school. Check out what aligns with your interests.