The theme of the NYLC is “The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today.” Throughout the eleven- day Conference, Callagan will interact with key leaders and newsmakers from the three branches of government, the media, and the international community.

“It’s wonderful to see high school students like Terrance Callagan seeking out the National Young Leaders Conference in an effort to learn and take on leadership roles in communities throughout our country,” said Michael Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), the organization that sponsors the NYLC. “The events of September 11 prompted the urgent need to understand and exercise effective leadership. Those who participate in this program not only gain knowledge and experience in the nation's capital, they leave with a sense of accomplishment and an increased ability to face the challenges of the future.”

Highlights of the program include welcoming remarks from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and a panel discussion with prominent journalists at the National Press Club. Callagan will also meet with senators and a representative or an appointed member of their staff to discuss important issues facing the nation.

To complement the schedule of special meetings and briefings, Callagan will also participate in a number of leadership skill-building activities. In one role-play activity known as If I Were President, students act as the president and Cabinet members responding to an international crisis. Students also participate in a judicial simulation, called “Testing the Constitution”, in which they examine actual Supreme Court cases. The NYLC culmminates with the Model Congress, in which scholars assume the roles of U.S. Representatives, and debate, amend and vote on proposed mock legislation.

The CYLC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization. Founded in 1985, it is committed to fostering and inspiring young people to achieve their full leadership potential. More than 400 members of the U.S. Congress join this commitment by serving on the CYLC Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors. In addition, more than 25 Ambassadors from countries around the world participate in the CYLC Honorary Board of Ambassadors.