Giannoulias’ Office Accepting John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Nominations

Award Recognizes Illinoisans Championing Legacy of Late Congressman and Civil Rights Icon

Max Walczyk - Office of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

Nov 7, 2026 8:15 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is accepting applications for the 2026 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (JLYLA), Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced. The award celebrates the efforts of young Illinoisans between the ages of 18 to 25 who have made exceptional civic contributions to their communities.

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), honors the late Congressman’s impact and extraordinary accomplishments throughout his career. Lewis advocated for civil and voting rights and consistently encouraged young people to actively participate in the democratic process. In his youth, Lewis was integral to the Civil Rights Movement as chairman of the Student Nonviolence Coordinating Committee (SNCC), one of the original 13 Freedom Riders and one of the lead organizers of the March on Washington.

“John Lewis dedicated his life to standing up against the injustices in our society and altered the course of history for the better. His efforts achieved more equality and freedom for so many, but the fight doesn’t stop there. So it’s critical that we celebrate our new generation of leaders who are inspired to carry on his mission and legacy,” Giannoulias said. “That’s why, in partnership with the National Association of Secretary of State, I could not be more excited to recognize the young Illinoisans who have set out on this path to advocate for a fairer, more equitable society for all.”

Dasha Pates, the 2023 inaugural recipient, earned the award through her work improving access to legal services in Kane County. Working with JusticeCorps, she provided disenfranchised residents of Kane County with legal information and procedural guidance at the Kane County Law Library & Self-Help Legal Center.

“Receiving the inaugural John Lewis Youth Leadership Award has been a life-changing experience for me,” Pates said.

Anthony Ray Wright Jr. and Ivoryana Neal were the two co-winners of the 2024 JLYLAs. Wright helped to create a new Black History curriculum to engage teens in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood while Neal advocated for more re-entry support for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families.

The influence of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award extends far beyond the recipients themselves. The award inspires other young individuals to get involved and make a difference in their communities by acknowledging and celebrating youth activism. It also sends a powerful message that age is not a barrier to creating change and that every voice matters in shaping the future of America.

Any member of the public can nominate a young Illinois leader, whether they are a student, coworker, neighbor, parent, fellow volunteer or community member.

Interested applicants or nominators can access the application at www.ilsos.gov/JohnLewisAward.

Application Process

A successful applicant to Illinois’ 2026 JLYLA process must include:
1. Nominator Form: The Nominator Form must be completed by an adult who can speak from personal knowledge regarding the nominee’s social justice work.
2. Nominee Form: The nominee must complete the Nominee Form, explaining in their own words the social justice work they have conducted.
3. Exhibits: At least two and up to 10 exhibits must be attached to showcase the nominee’s social justice work. Exhibits can include photos, posters, data analytics, support letters and any other material substantiating the nominee’s work.
All applications, including both forms and exhibits, must be submitted electronically to jlyouthaward@ilsos.govby Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, at 5 p.m. CST.
Nominees must be Illinois residents between the ages of 18 and 25 as of Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, at 5 p.m. CST.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony hosted by Secretary Giannoulias in January 2027.
Successful nominees will demonstrate committed advocacy efforts in support of civil and human rights, such as the right to vote, fair access to resources and opportunities, and freedom from discrimination and prejudice. Nominees must demonstrate empathy, the ability to influence others and the courage to confront challenges. Successful nominees will showcase work that increases awareness of social problems while identifying and promoting solutions.