Applications for State Youth and Family Leaders are now open. Interested youth are encouraged to apply by the June 30, 2026 deadline.
Become an I’m Determined State Youth Leader
Join the I'm Determined Family!
The I’m Determined Center is made up of Ambassadors (adult employees of the I’m Determined Center) and State Youth Leaders, 13-21-year-old youth with disabilities, who breathe life into our mission by sharing their stories and experiences with other youth, educators, and families in Virginia.
What do I’m Determined State Youth Leaders do?
Youth Leaders travel throughout Virginia to educate teachers, families, and students about self-determination and the I’m Determined Center. You will be expected to demonstrate leadership skills at scheduled events and in your community.
State 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
State Youth Leaders commit to participating in monthly meetings, annual weekend retreats, the annual Youth and Family 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 State 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 State Youth Leaders?
If you answer yes to these questions, please consider applying to be a Youth Leader. Applications will be available beginning June 11th, 2026 and are due by June 30th, 2026.
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.
The Application Process
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. Contact us if you need an alternative way to submit your application.
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. After all interviews have been conducted, the selection committee will make their decisions and you will be notified.
We accept applications for Youth Leaders each summer. If you need an alternative way to submit your application, don’t hesitate to reach out! Please email imdeterminedcenter@jmu.edu with any questions.
