Youth Leadership Program

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday
703-324-4062 TTY TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 561
Fairfax, VA 22035-0074
Martha Reed

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 citizens 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.

For more information and background on the FCYLP, click here. You can also check out the 2025-2026 FCYLP brochure.

The application process for the current class of Juniors is now CLOSED. Applications were due on November 8, 2024.

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 8, 2024.

  • Applications for rising Juniors will be available in mid-September with applications due no later than 11:59 pm on November 10, 2025
  • Note: One letter of recommendation is required as part of the application (teacher, scout leader, employment supervisor, etc.)
  • Accepted students announced mid-December 2025
  • First monthly meeting will be held February 2026

Questions? Email DMBYLP@fairfaxcounty.gov

Class of 2024
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Class of 2023
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Class of 2023

 

Additional Information

Contact Info

Need more information? Be sure to connect with a team member.

Participants

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

Internships

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

Fairfax County is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veterans’ status or disabled veterans’ status.

For more information or to request reasonable ADA accommodations, email DMBYLP@fairfaxcounty.gov
or call 703-324-4062, TTY 711 VA Relay

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