(Washington, DC)  The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute (MYLI) recently elected Rashai Lee, a 17-year-old Ward 6 resident, to serve as the 50th Youth Mayor of the District of Columbia.  Miss Lee was sworn-in today as the new Youth Mayor at a ceremony, which was presided over by Mayor Adrian Fenty, at the Mayor’s Press Room, located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

Miss Lee, a junior in the Business and Finance Academy of H.D. Woodson Senior High School, promises to “create more community service projects for youth leaders and to develop stronger and more direct ties between District youth and the local government.” Her youth administration, consisting of 10 Youth Cabinet Members, will approach their responsibilities with earnestness and sincerity.  “We will work to make a noticeable difference for our youth and within our communities,” said Miss Lee.

Prior to being elected, Rashai Lee worked with the MYLI Youth Government and served as a delegate to the YMCA Youth and Government Legislative Weekend Program.  Miss Lee was elected on August 3, 2007 by the 500 MYLI’s participants.  Elections are modeled after the District’s actual election process and are held during the summer program.

The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute (MYLI) is a year-round program designed to train District youth in the concepts of leadership and self-development. The program consists of an innovative four-level tier: Alpha level, which focuses on personal growth and development skills; Beta level, which focuses on community development; Delta level, which deals with work readiness, life skills, and career exploration; and Omega level, which concentrates on practicum and internships.

For more information on the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute, contact the Department of Employment Services, Office of Youth Programs at (202) 698-3492.