Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) program scholars represent the upper echelon of today's youth in both academic performance and community leadership. Each student is selected for nomination based upon academic achievement or classroom surveys, as well as by distinguished educators, mentors or CYLC program alumni, ensuring that every participant possesses the drive and determination to emerge as a future and world leader.

Our mission is to foster and inspire young people to achieve their full leadership potential. In support of this mission, members of the U.S. Congress and over 50 embassies representing countries around the world serve on CYLC's Honorary Board of Advisors.

Now in its 23^nd year, CYLC is a nonpartisan, independent organization. It is located just outside of Washington, D.C. in Vienna, VA.

The Congressional Youth Leadership Council Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, provides need-based scholarships to high-achieving students who have qualified to attend the programs offered by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. The Council and the Foundation's scholarships recognize and reward students for leadership and academic achievement and ensure the diversity of CYLC programs. Students who receive foundation scholarships bring a full range of meaningful and valuable perspectives and viewpoints that contribute greatly to the experience of the program.