Become an I’m Determined Youth Leader

Join the I'm Determined Family!

The I’m Determined Center is made up of regional Determinators (adult employees of the I’m Determined Center) and Youth Leaders, 13-21-year-old youth with disabilities, who breathe life into the project by sharing their stories and experiences with other youth, educators, and families in Virginia.

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Group photo of the I'm Determined State Youth Leaders in two rows, one seated and one standing behind the first row. Everyone is wearing colorful clothing, smiling and raising their hands, waving to the camera, or giving a thumbs up.

What do I’m Determined Youth Leaders do?

Youth Leaders travel throughout Virginia to educate teachers, families, 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
  • act as peer leaders
  • serve as positive role models and mentors for other youth

Youth Leaders commit to participating in monthly meetings, annual weekend retreats, the annual Youth Summit in June, as well as any other events that arise, such as presenting to schools and conferences, and assisting with regional I’m Determined opportunities.

Who Can Become a Youth Leader?

✅ Are you team-oriented, responsive, responsible, positive, goal-oriented, and involved in community activities? 

✅ Have you attended a Youth & Family Summit or collaborated with I’m Determined staff at a local event?

✅ Are you a Virginia resident with a disability between the ages of 13 and 21?  

✅ Can you commit to the TRACK Agreement that helps guide our youth leaders?

If you answer yes to these questions, please consider applying to be a Youth Leader. Applications are due July 11, 2025.

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Youth Leader Regions

Youth leaders work on regional teams for local work, and all together as a state team for state-wide events, such as the Youth & Family Summit. Each region’s need for new Youth Leaders changes depending on how many are on the current team and how many will be leaving at the end of the year. Open Youth Leader positions are posted according to the current need in that region. Please only apply for openings in the region where you live.

Multicolored map of the superintendent regions of Virginia - regions 1 through 8, with each region's counties and cities listed.

The Application Process

We accept applications for Youth Leaders each summer. Please email info@imdetermined.org with any questions.

Step One

Fill Out an Application

The application is our first opportunity to get to know you. You will provide basic contact information and then answer some questions about your experience and why you want to become a Youth Leader. NOTE: We are currently updating our application and will have it available soon.
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Step Two

Applications are Reviewed

During the review phase, our selection committee will review all applications. If you meet the requirements and seem like you’ll be a valuable addition to the team in your region, you will be invited for an interview. If there is more you can do to prepare to be a Youth Leader in the future, we’ll provide some feedback and things to work on.

Step Three

Interview

We will schedule a virtual interview between you and our selection committee. We’ll send all of our questions ahead of time, so that you know what to expect and can best prepare for your interview. After all interviews have been conducted, the selection committee will make their decisions and you will be notified by August 4, 2025.

We are now accepting applications for new Youth Leaders in ALL Regions. Applications are due by July 11, 2025. Those applications will be reviewed during July, 2025.

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Hear from our Youth Leaders

I’m Determined State Youth Leaders are a diverse, energetic, creative, and passionate group of young adults.

I’ve had a life-changing experience with I’m Determined. The learning tools prepared me to be life-ready in college and the workforce. I strongly recommend to start using these tools early to give students a sense of autonomy in their education. The lifelong friendships that I have developed here at I’m Determined will also be cherished for a lifetime!

– Jonathan, Youth Leader, Regions 1 & 8
Headshot of youth leader, Jonathan, male with black hair and glasses, smiling and wearing a purple and yellow striped polo shirt

Determination is not a skill that can be mastered, it’s an aspect of life that we have to strive for everyday; within everything we do.

– Traleya, Youth Leader, Regions 2 & 3
Headshot of youth leader, Traleya, female with dark brown hair with highlights, wearing a striped shirt and jean jacket, sitting on a bench outdoors

I’m Determined is what gave me a voice and taught me whatever I want to do, I have to be self-determined and advocate for myself. Advocating for myself has helped me advocate for other people.

– Chloe, Youth Leader, Regions 2 & 3
Headshot of youth leader, Chloe, female with short, brown hair, smiling