Congressman James R. Walkinshaw’s Youth Leadership Council provides high school students in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District with a platform to engage directly with issues impacting their communities while developing meaningful leadership and civic engagement skills. Council members will meet with a diverse group of peers from across the district to discuss issues of importance, review legislation, develop policy recommendations to present to the Congressman, and hear from leaders in government and the community. Students in grades 9 through 12 who reside in the district are eligible to apply.

Applications for the 2026 Youth Leadership Council will open on May 1 and close on June 30 at 5:00 PM.

Please confirm that you reside in and/or attend a school in the district by entering your address here. Only applicants who reside in and/or attend school in the district should apply.

Application Materials:

  • High school transcript or middle school transcript (if incoming freshman)
  • One letter of recommendation
    • The letter should come from a teacher, counselor, or other school official.
    • Applicants may submit a second, optional letter of recommendation from a community member not affiliated with their school.
    • Must be submitted directly by the recommender via email to kris.adkison@mail.house.gov.
  • One-page essay explaining why you wish to be a member of the Council and what you hope to gain from this experience.
  • Resume
  • Signed Consent Form
  • Application Form

Please fill out the application form above and upload all required documents by Friday, June 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

FAQ:

  • This will be a student-driven council.
  • All applicants who submit complete applications will be invited to interview. Interviews will be approximately 20 minutes in length and will include a few questions, followed by an opportunity for applicants to ask questions of staff.
  • One letter of recommendation must be submitted directly by the recommender via email to kris.adkison@mail.house.gov.
  • Freshmen in High School should submit 8th-grade transcripts.
  • Unofficial transcripts will be accepted since all application materials must be submitted together on the application form.
  • There will be 8 scheduled meetings with staff per year. Meetings on the listed dates will run from approximately 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
    • Students will need to attend 6 of the 8 meetings to remain in good standing.
  • If eligible, students can serve on the council for a maximum of two terms.

Questions:

If you have any questions, please email kris.adkison@mail.house.gov or call (703) 256-3071.