Speak Up! Youth Leadership Initiative Application

Thank you for your interest in being part of our Speak Up! Legislative Youth Leadership Initiative sponsored by Penguin Random House! Our goal is to help you gain skills and confidence in civic engagement. You choose an issue that matters to you, and we'll help you learn how to turn your ideas into action and make your voice heard by community leaders and decision-makers.

By completing your application, you agree to the following commitment to receive your $1,000 Award.

Participate in two online sessions facilitated by CAL Legislative members: Sunday, September 13th, 6-7:30, and Sunday, September 27th, 6-7:30.
1. One makeup Zoom session will be available for participants who are unable to attend due to a documented family or medical emergency.
Attend four in-person meetings with either a locally elected representative in your community or a state representative. Don't worry, we'll coach you through this!
Complete approximately 4-hours of online research work assigned to you in the Fall.
Submit a one-page Program Reflection report by December 1, 2026.
Be available for photos and social media posts for CAL when you receive your $1,000 Award.

To qualify, applicants must be between 15 and 19 years of age. The deadline for applications is August 21, 2026.

Fields marked with an * are required.

First Name *

Last Name *

Date of Birth *

School Attending (or Homeschool) *

Please provide the name of the school you attend or indicate that you are homeschooled.

Home Public Library *

Please provide the name of your public library.

Parent or Guardian Name *

Provide the full name of your parent or guardian that we can contact.

Parent or Guardian Phone Number *

Parent or Guardian Email

Community or Global Issue of Interest *

What is one issue, challenge, or opportunity you see in your school, community, or the world that you would like to learn more about?

Keep answers brief; up to 100 words.

Addressing a Challenge *

Describe a time when you wanted to help solve a problem or improve something around you. What did you do?

Keep answers brief; up to 100 words.

Perspective *

Tell us about a time you learned something that changed your perspective.

Keep answers brief; up to 100 words.

Literary or Film Inspiration *

What character from a book or movie do you find inspiring? Why?

Keep answers brief; up to 100 words.

Speak Up! Youth Leadership Initiative Application

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.

Colorado Association of Libraries