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CAIR California

Programs & Education

muslim youth leadership program

Turn Your Passion into Action

Participant Application

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Advisor Application

Inspiring Civic Engagement

The Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) is an immersive, four-day leadership development program designed for Muslim high school students who want to engage directly with the political process.

Held annually at the California State Capitol, MYLP provides a hands-on experience where participants learn about policy, legislative advocacy, and civic engagement.

The 2026 MYLP program will be held from July 22 to July 25.

Why You Should Join

Build Confidence and leadership skills

Gain real civic engagement experience

Strengthen your voice and advocacy skills

Network with Muslim youth leaders from across California

Program Focus Areas

Understanding Policy in Action

Understanding Policy in Action

  • Visit the California State Capitol to see government up close.
  • Meet legislators, staffers, and policy professionals.
  • Participate in a mock legislative hearing with real CA bills.
  • Learn how advocacy groups influence legislation.

Mastering Advocacy Strategies

Mastering Advocacy Strategies

  • Understand how advocacy actually works, not just theories, but real strategy.
  • Learn how to prepare legislative talking points, speak during meetings, and present an argument clearly.

Building Confident Leadership

Building Confident Leadershp

  • Participate in interactive workshops on public speaking, leadership styles, teamwork, and communication.
  • Engage in group challenges designed to push you out of your comfort zone in a supportive environment.
  • Build confidence in your identity, voice, and leadership potential.

What You Can Expect

Capitol Visits & Mock Legislative Sessions

Leadership, Law, & Reflection Workshops

Group Work & Advocacy Preparation Sessions

Evening Hangouts & Bonding Activities

Ready to Apply?

Program Information

Session Details

  • WHEN: Wednesday, July 22, to Saturday, July 25
  • WHERE: California State Capitol, Sacramento
  • WHO: First-time Muslim high school students from across California.

A $200 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance into the program.

Participants are not expected to cover program costs out of pocket. However, each participant is responsible for fundraising approximately $1,000 before the start of the program, with support from the CAIR-CA office. If the fundraising goal is not met, the participant will be responsible for covering the remaining balance.

MYLP Participant Application

The deadline for submitting a participant application is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Student applications submitted after the deadline will be placed on a waitlist.

Apply Today

MYLP Advisor Application

MYLP relies on the support of young leaders in our community to serve as advisors during the program. All advisors are assigned to a group of two to four students and are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe environment. Interested college students and young professionals should apply.

The deadline for submitting an advisor application is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Apply Today

Questions?

For questions, contact your local CAIR-CA office.

Greater Los Angeles Area

info@losangeles.cair.com
714-776-1847

Sacramento Valley/Central CA

info@sacval.cair.com
916-441-6269

San Diego

info@sandiego.cair.com
858-278-4547

San Francisco Bay Area

info@sfba.cair.com
408-986-9874

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