(Washington, DC)  More than 235 participants of the Department of Employment Services’ Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute (MYLI) elected Nicole Newman, a 15 year-old junior at St. Johns College High School in northwest DC, as the new youth Mayor for the District of Columbia.  The election was held on August 9, 2006, for a one-year term which began on August 11, 2006. 

A second year participant of MYLI, Miss. Newman served as Youth City Administrator before deciding to run for Youth Mayor at the beginning of the 2006 Summer Youth Employment Program.  The MYLI elections are modeled after city governmental elections.  Ms. Newman, who competed with two other participants for this title, ran on the platform theme of “Make a promise. Keep a promise," adding that there is tremendous need for leadership and diversity in the District of Columbia.

“Nothing can be more pleasing to parents than to see children making noticeably positive strides in their lives,” said Gregg Irish, Director of DOES. “Our youth programs, particularly the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute, give young people access to opportunities for life-long learning. Youth Mayors have a unique opportunity to positively impact their communities and their peers.”
 
MYLI is a year-round, four level program designed to train District youth in leadership and self-development.  The program offers young leaders an enhanced view of government operates by replicating the DC government and shadowing local government officials.  Youth mayors have traveled with Mayor Anthony Williams and other senior government officials to several countries, including Belgium and Italy, as well as participated in the annual Citizen Summits, the Mayor’s State of the District Address, youth summits, and various community events.

For more information on the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute, call the Department of Employment Services at (202) 724- 2100.