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703-324-2391 TTY 711

DMBInfo@fairfaxcounty.gov

12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 561
Fairfax, VA 22035-0074

@fairfaxcounty

Philip A. Hagen
Director

Department Resources

Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program (FCYLP)

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The Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program (FCYLP) is designed to educate and motivate high school students to become engaged residents and leaders in the community.

Accepted students participate in monthly learning sessions, complete a three-week paid internship in a Fairfax County department, and act as "ambassadors" for the program by speaking to middle school civics classes. They will also learn about local government's role in their everyday lives and are given an opportunity to interact with County leaders and policy-makers.

More information on the background of FCYLP is available.

The application process for the current class of Juniors is now CLOSED but you can still check out the 2026-2027 FCYLP brochure. An updated brochure for the 2027-2028 class will be coming soon, with applications being due November 6, 2026.

Students applying for the FCYLP must meet the following criteria:

Fairfax County high school junior
In good academic standing
An interest in local government

Please note that students are unable to participate in both the FCYLP and Governor School Program.

The FCYLP is a highly competitive one-year program that is committed to building future leaders within the community. Students accepted must commit to the following activities:

Attend monthly meetings, held on Wednesdays from 4-6pm starting in February
Participate in a three-week internship in July, 40 hours per week
Complete a monthly reflection and deliver a presentation to an 8th grade civics class
Conduct an interview with one member of the Board of Supervisors and watch part of a budget public hearing
Arrange own transportation to meetings and internship

Students may have only one absence from monthly meetings during the year to qualify for graduation.

In addition to making connections and building skills to be job ready, accepted students will have the opportunity to:

Earn $1,000 for successfully completing the 3-week internship
Gain professional experience and build their resume
Build self-confidence and enhance leadership skills
Get a clearer vision of how local government works through real-life experiences

An internship is an excellent way to make connections and build your professional network. Be sure to apply for the FCYLP today!

Application Process

The application process for the current class of Juniors is now CLOSED. Applications were due on November 6, 2026.

Note: One letter of recommendation is required as part of the application (teacher, scout leader, employment supervisor, etc.)
Students will be notified regarding acceptance decisions via email in mid-December
The first monthly meeting will be held in February 2027
Questions? Email DMBYLP@fairfaxcounty.gov

Class of 2025

Class of 2024

Class of 2023

Contact Information

Looking for additional details or have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with a team member who will be happy to assist you.

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Participants

Know someone who participated? Check out the list of current and previous students.

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Internships

Curious what options are available? Check out the list of past internships.

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Management and Budget

Management and Budget Alert:

Department Resources

Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program (FCYLP)

Additional Information

Application Process

Additional Information

Contact Information

Participants

Internships

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax

Management and Budget

Management and Budget Alert:

Department Resources

Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program (FCYLP)

Additional Information

Eligibility

Program Requirements

Why Apply?

Application Process

Additional Information

Contact Information

Participants

Internships

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax