Welcome

Youth

I’m Determined is on a mission to empower young people just like you. You might be wondering what self-determination is and how you can start being more independent. This page will help you learn more and provides tools to help you on your journey.
Six I'm Determined Youth Leaders huddled together in two rows, smiling at the camera.

Tools for Young People

Get started on your self-determination journey! I’m Determined tools help you uncover your unique talents, advocate for yourself, achieve your goals, and overcome challenges.

All Tools Page

One-Pager: Identity and Self-Awareness

Download this one-pager on identity and self-awareness, a tool to help you reflect on key details that will help others get to know you better.
Read more about One-Pager: Identity and Self-Awareness
4 column worksheet with headings My Strengths (in yellow), My Preferences (in teal), My Interests (in red), and My Needs (in purple)

Use the Good Day Plan to Design a Daily Routine

The Good Day Plan is a fillable PDF you can download to help design days that are perfect for you!
Read more about Use the Good Day Plan to Design a Daily Routine
4 column worksheet with headings Good Day (in yellow), Now (in teal), Action (in red), and Support (in purple)

Use the Goal Plan to Set and Attain Goals

The Goal Plan is a simple tool to help youth set and attain goals. Download a fillable PDF and instructions on how to use the Goal Plan.
Read more about Use the Goal Plan to Set and Attain Goals
4 column worksheet with headings My Goal (in yellow), Outcomes (in teal), Next Steps (in red), and People Who Can Support (in purple)

Meet our State Youth Leaders

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

Get to know your students interests and strengths. Really knowing and understanding your students can equip you to make a difference in their lives. Students with more complex need to have opportunities beyond what has been typical for decades.

– Sydney, Youth Leader, Valley Region
Headshot of Youth Leader, Sydney Ellis with a dark teal background

A lot of my life I had been in segregated classrooms. I did not know what it meant to be self-determined. I always thought I would be a non-speaking autistic that never controlled his destiny. I am here today to tell you that I am in control. Through my skills gained in I’m Determined, I am master of my destiny.

– Alex, Youth Leader, Central Region
Headshot of Youth Leader, Alex Thurman with a purple background

One strategy I use when practicing self-advocacy is self-talk. Which I do by telling myself that, “If I don’t advocate for myself then no one is going to know what I need.

– Liat, Youth Leader, NOVA Region
Headshot of Youth Leader, Liat Lieberman with a teal background

For me self-advocacy looks like whether or not I need to advocate for myself in a given situation: Is this something I need to figure out on my own or is it something I have to ask for help and it’s currently something I am learning and navigating through the adult world?

– Colin, Youth Leader, Central Region
Headshot of Youth Leader, Collin Spencer with a purple background

Be a State Youth Leader

State Youth Leader Applications

Are you team-oriented, responsive, responsible, positive, goal-oriented, and involved in community activities? If so, please consider applying to be a State Youth Leader!
State Youth Leader Info Go to Page