I'm Determined Youth Leader Application

I'm Determined Youth Leader Application

2025-2026
Thank you for your interest in applying to become an I’m Determined Youth Leader. Please read the following important details before filling out and submitting the application. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION BY July 11, 2025.

DESCRIPTION
This is a state-wide leadership role. I’m Determined Youth Leaders travel throughout Virginia to educate teachers, parents, and students about self-determination and the I’m Determined project.

You will be expected to demonstrate leadership skills at scheduled events and in your community. Youth Leaders gain knowledge and experience in training and leadership skills while working with other youth, teachers, and parents from across the state. You will act as a peer leader and serve as a positive role model and mentor for other youth.

Applying to become a Youth Leader means that you have shown responsibility and leadership skills during previous Youth Summits and wish to take on greater responsibility.
Process
Step 1: Fill out this application by July 11, 2025.

Step 2: If your application is reviewed successfully, both the youth applicant and a parent/guardian will be required to participate in a virtual Zoom interview at one of the following times:

- Monday, July 28, between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday, July 29, between 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, July 30, between 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Please indicate your 3 time preferences below: *
List three 1-hour time slots that work for your schedule and fall within the options given above.
Step 3: Youth & Parent/Guardian attend Zoom interview.

Step 4: You will be notified by August 4, 2025 if you have been accepted as an I’m Determined Youth Leader

Youth Leader Responsibilities - TRACK Agreement

This is the agreement that all Youth Leaders sign. Please read carefully!
All Youth Leaders make their best effort to uphold these responsibilities.

Team Oriented: I’m Determined Youth Leaders become followers and leaders as appropriate and support each other for a common goal. They are able to give and accept constructive feedback. Youth Leaders try to be aware of each other’s strengths and needs in order to work together appropriately. They respect and value each other so that each person can be their best self.

Responsiveness: I’m Determined Youth Leaders show responsiveness to phone, email, and face-to-face communication. They are proactive by asking questions, letting others know things ahead of time, and doing whatever is necessary to be prepared. Communication is timely and respectful.

Attendance: I’m Determined Youth Leaders prioritize and attend designated meetings and I’m Determined events. If not able to attend, Youth Leaders notify the designated organizer or Determinator as soon as possible or by the given deadline. At events, Youth Leaders prepare themselves to be awake, aware, and attentive so they can effectively respond to what is happening around them.

Career/College Oriented: I’m Determined Youth Leaders are constantly setting goals and carrying out plans to improve their quality of life whether they are in school, in a career, or at home. Youth Leaders exemplify leaders in their community. Community is school, college, church, work, and other organizations that are a consistent part of a Youth Leader's life.

Kindness: I’m Determined Youth Leaders lead with kindness. They show positive attitudes through words, body language, emotions, and actions. They show kindness to themselves by balancing the amount of I'm Determined consulting work they say yes to in relation to what is going on in their day-to-day lives.

*As an I'm Determined State Youth Leader, I:
- Agree to uphold all TRACK expectations listed above
- Am age 13-21
- Am currently in school (high school or post-secondary) or employed
- Am open to constructive feedback from I'm Determined Staff
Commitment to Track Agreement*

I agree to do my best to uphold the TRACK AgreementI can not commit to the TRACK AgreementOther
Please explain why you chose “other” above:*

"A Year in the Life” of an I’m Determined Youth Leader: Expectations

Below is information about what a typical year may look like for a Youth Leader. It's not the same for everyone due to availability, but please note the required events!
Youth Leadership Weekend: Accepted Youth Leaders must participate in the Youth Leadership Weekend, August 22–24, 2025, on campus at James Madison University. Attendance is required for all three days. Participants will be compensated for mileage; lodging and meals are provided. (It would be good for you to hold these days on your calendar in case you are accepted).

Training: Accepted Youth Leaders must attend annual leadership trainings. All accepted Youth Leaders must be present. Lodging will be provided; travel and meals will be reimbursed at state rates. Some training will also happen virtually.

Youth Summit: Accepted Youth Leaders must participate in the 2026 Youth Summit planning and event at James Madison University (attendance is required for all days of the Summit). Participants will be compensated for mileage; lodging and meals are provided.

Professional Development: Youth Leaders will be called on throughout the year to assist in facilitating professional development for Virginia Department of Education school divisions. A stipend will be paid to you for your participation. Meals and travel will be reimbursed at state rates, and lodging provided if needed for the professional development.
Commitment to Youth Leader yearly expectations:*

I will do my best to prioritize I’m Determined opportunities listed above and make sure to be available for all required events.I can not commit to prioritizing the I’m Determined opportunities listed above and can not commit to the required events.Other
Please explain why you chose “other” above:*

Written Response Questions
Directions for Youth and Family Member

As part of the application, we ask both the youth applicant and a family member or guardian to answer a few questions to help us learn more about the applicant’s experiences, strengths, and goals. These responses give us insight into how the youth communicates, works with others, and demonstrates leadership. Please read the questions carefully and respond in your own words.
Written Questions – Youth Applicants
Tell us about a time when you worked with a group or team. How did you support others, and how did you show leadership or follow someone else’s lead?*
Please provide as many details as you can.
What are some of your goals for the future, and what steps are you taking now to reach them?*
Please provide as many details as you can.
Written Questions – Family Member or Guardian
Can you share how your child communicates and follows through on responsibilities? How do you support them in developing strong communication habits (like responding to emails or preparing for meetings)? *
Please provide as many details as you can.
What strengths do you see in your child that you think would make them a successful I’m Determined Youth Leader?*
Please provide as many details as you can.

Youth Info
Youth Name*

First NameLast Name
Youth Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Youth Email*
example@example.com (Please do not use school email addresses for this. They typically block our responses).
Youth Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
School Division*
School*
Grade for the 2025-26 school year. If graduated, type graduated.*
Age*
Date of Birth*
Disability Category(s)*
If my child is accepted as an I’m Determined Youth Leader I am agreeing to support him/her in the role. This includes preparation and travel for events.*

Yes, I agree to support my child as a Youth Leader (required if under 18)I am unable to support my child as a Youth Leader

Parent/Guardian Info
Parent/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parent/Guardian Email*
example@example.com (Please do not use school email addresses for this. They typically block our responses).
Relationship to Youth Applicant*
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I'm Determined Youth Leader Application

Process

Youth Leader Responsibilities - TRACK Agreement

"A Year in the Life” of an I’m Determined Youth Leader: Expectations

Written Response Questions

Written Questions – Youth Applicants

Written Questions – Family Member or Guardian

Youth Info

Parent/Guardian Info