Native Youth Win Trip to White House DEADLINE This Friday

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Native American Youth Challenge

WASHINGTON - Since the launch of the White House Native American Youth Challenge in early July, young people across Indian Country have been answering the President's call to submit their stories of leadership and service in their communities.

Native youth have been active and engaged throughout the summer; hundreds attended the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) conference in Minnesota, the National Intertribal Youth Summit in New Mexico hosted by several federal agencies, and the Let's Move in Indian Country Lacrosse event on the South Lawn of the White House, among others. But as the summer has come to an end, so too does the Youth Challenge and the last day to submit applications is this Friday, September 30. The White House has already received an outstanding response and hopes even more young people will respond before the deadline.

The stories submitted will be considered and evaluated based on a demonstrated record of service to one's tribe, nation, village, or community. Young leaders who have sought to improve their communities are encouraged to submit stories in one or more of the following areas:

As a part of the challenge, a handful of exceptional Native youth community leaders will be invited to the White House this fall in conjunction with the activities of Native American heritage month.

Submissions should include a description of the leadership initiatives or community programs; the number of people involved or effected; key examples of success; and explanations of the barriers or challenges and how they were overcome.

To learn more about the Native Youth Challenge »

posted September 27, 2011 9:20 am edt