Mayor’s Youth Leaders in Action (MYLA)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The City of Virginia Beach Mayor’s Youth Leaders in Action (MYLA) is a group of socially, economically and ethnically diverse middle and high school youth from across the city. The group was created with the belief that young people, if given the opportunity, could be meaningfully and successfully involved in making and impacting decisions that affect their lives. 
MYLA is a youth-led program that exists to be a positive force in the community through leadership, service, education, and representation. 
MYLA logoThe 4 Tenets of MYLA
  • Leadership: develop and/or enhance youth leadership skills such as time management, organizational skills, decision making, teambuilding, goal setting, and mentoring​
  • Service: volunteer opportunities through city events, building camaraderie amongst the group to inspire and motivate others, build relationships, show a commitment to the community, and develop professionalism
  • Education: share knowledge and facilitate learning through training youth and adults on various topics, facilitating and coordinating leadership workshops and retreats, developing creativity and public speaking skills
  • Representation: opportunities to serve on city and community boards and committees and provide a youth perspective as well as networking opportunities

 Join MYLA

Join MYLA

​Youth are accepted into the program through a selection process led by current MYLA officers. Prospective youth must submit an application, two (2) recommendation letters, and a copy of their most recent report card. Pending review, applicants will be notified of their status. An interview and program visit may be scheduled. 

MYLA General Meetings are held twice a month on Monday evenings.  Please note that MYLA follows the school calendar, meaning if school is out on a meeting Monday, we will reschedule for the next available time.

MYLA Registration for the academic year begins May 1st and will end July 31st.  All youth who are interested in joining MYLA are encouraged to apply during this application window.  Interviews will be scheduled based on applying youth and program staff availability. 





Membership Criteria

  • Only residents of Virginia Beach can apply 
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a school within Virginia Beach (if homeschooled, must provide proof)
  • New applicants must be currently enrolled in grades 6-10, however, participation continues through the 12th grade.
  • Youth must have their own email address to communicate with officers and staff

Why join MYLA?

  • Gain community partnerships
  • Have your voice heard
  • Learn to lead
  • Community engagement
  • Network with community leaders
  • Be valued as a community member
  • Make a difference in the lives of others


 About Us

About Us

Officers:​​

COMING SOON

​High Schools Represented:

  • Bayside High School
  • Ocean Lakes High School
  • Princess Anne High School
  • Landstown High School
  • Tallwood High School
  • Green Run Collegiate
  • Homeschool

​Middle Schools Represented:​

  • Larkspur Middle School
  • Plaza Middle School
  • Kempsville Middle School
  • Old Donation School
  • Landstown Middle School
  • Corporate Landing Middle School

Recognition
MYLA has been recognized with the following awards:
  • ​​Debra L. Elam Outstanding Youth Volunteer Group Award​
  • Debra L. Elam Outstanding Youth Volunteer Individual Award​
  • Virginia Beach Best All Around Youth Group Award
  • Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) Conference Mini Grant
  • Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) Conference Wheeler Award

 Recommendation Request Form

​Recommendation Request Form

Please share the link to this form with 2 adults who can account for your leadership ability and who can complete this on your behalf in order to recommend you for MYLA.



 ‭(Hidden)‬ MYLA Today Newsletters

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Quarantine Corner

 Projects

Projects

MYLA worked in partnership with the Teen Media Studio to create videos for the Season for Nonviolence, the Mayor's Brunch event, and a playlist of children's stories, crafts, and fitness videos.

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Testimonials

 Photo Gallery