Youth Democracy Institute Launches Inaugural DC High School Civic Leadership Program at Cesar Chavez

Earlier this year, Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) launched its inaugural DC high school civic leadership program, Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) Social Justice Series, at Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy in Washington, DC. The eight-week pilot served a cohort of nine graduating seniors, creating a focused leadership lab where students explored power, policy, and civic engagement through a real-world lens. The program was offered at no cost to students and fulfilled the school’s Fellowship requirement, a service-learning experience or internship designed to provide public policy or nonprofit exposure. Upon completion, scholars earned 45 hours of community service credit.

Named for labor and civil rights leader César Chávez, the school emphasizes civic engagement, public policy, and leadership, making it a strong partner for the Emerging Leaders Academy. The collaboration created space for students to examine how government decisions shape opportunity, connect historical policies to present-day inequities, and develop their own ideas for civic action.

Throughout the program, scholars built foundational civic knowledge, including the three branches of government, federalism, and Washington, DC’s unique political status. Students examined how public policy shapes opportunity and inequality and participated in a racial wealth gap simulation that traced the generational impact of historic and contemporary policies. These experiences helped students connect structural inequities to issues affecting their own communities.

Building on this foundation, each scholar developed a senior thesis addressing a social justice issue they care deeply about. Topics included regulating the monetization of minors’ likeness on social media, addressing addictive social media use among youth, opposing mass incarceration, and examining the impacts of gentrification on longtime residents. Students were challenged to identify the problem, analyze who is affected, determine who holds decision-making power, and propose policy-based solutions.

The small cohort format allowed for thoughtful dialogue, peer feedback, and deeper exploration of how civic engagement extends beyond voting. Scholars reflected on how policy decisions shape economic mobility, community stability, and access to opportunity, while also strengthening their ability to articulate ideas and advocate for change.

Planning for the Fall 2026 cohort is underway, building on the success of the inaugural program. As a continuation of the partnership, YDI will also serve as a judge at the school’s annual Thesis Night, supporting students as they present their work to the broader school community.

The inaugural Emerging Leaders Academy marked an important milestone in preparing young people to understand power, engage in civic life, and lead change in their communities.

Partner or sponsor a future high school civic leadership program cohort. YDI is seeking school partners, community organizations, and sponsors to expand access to this program and provide additional cohorts at no cost to students. To learn more about hosting or sponsoring a cohort, contact us at info@leadydi.org.