July 24, 2024

From July 25 through July 28, the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will hold its 18th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) at the State Capitol in Sacramento. 

MYLP is an intensive four-day program designed to empower Muslim high school students with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in government, law, and media. 

WHAT: 18th Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program 

WHEN: Thursday, July 25 – Sunday, July 28. Media opportunities include: 

  • Jummah (Congregational) Prayer: Friday, July 26, 1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m., Capitol Lawn 
  • Mock Legislative Session: Friday, July 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., O Swing Building, Room 1100  

WHERE: State Capitol, Sacramento 

CONTACT: CAIR Sacramento Communications & Outreach Coordinator Anes Mokeddem, 916.610.5079, amokeddem@cair.com 

This year’s program will bring together 39 Muslim high school students, selected from a competitive statewide pool, to participate in workshops on community organizing, leadership development, and public speaking.  

A highlight of the program is a mock legislative session, where participants serve as legislators, debating public policy issues and preparing bills to be presented on the State Capitol Assembly Floor. This session provides a practical understanding of how the California legislature reviews bills and enacts laws. 

“The Muslim Youth Leadership Program provides invaluable opportunities for our youth to learn about leadership and advocacy,” said CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush“We are dedicated to preparing these young individuals to take on tomorrow’s challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.” 

Since its inception in 2005, over 570 California students have participated in MYLP. The program boasts alumni who have been accepted to elite universities, such as Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, John Hopkins, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, with many going on to elected office. Graduates have also become community activists, who have created non-profit organizations and taken on groundbreaking leadership positions.