Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has opened the nomination window for the 2026 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award in Iowa, seeking to recognize young citizens who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities. The program targets Iowans aged 25 or younger who have shown outstanding leadership in civic engagement and public service.
The initiative, now in its fifth year of participation for the state of Iowa, aims to highlight the contributions of youth who actively participate in the democratic process and strive to improve the lives of others. Nominations are currently being accepted and will remain open through April 30.
Up to two recipients from Iowa will be selected to receive the honor. Those chosen will be recognized during a national presentation held at the winter conference of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), providing a high-profile platform for young leaders to share their experiences and achievements with officials from across the country.
The Legacy of Civic Engagement
The award is named in honor of the late U.S. Representative John Lewis, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a longtime member of Congress. Lewis spent decades advocating for voting rights and social justice, famously urging citizens to engage in “great trouble” to challenge injustice and expand the promise of democracy.
By tying the award to Lewis’s legacy, the program encourages young Iowans to view civic engagement not merely as a periodic act of voting, but as a lifelong commitment to community improvement. The criteria for the award emphasize a combination of service, leadership and a tangible impact on the local or state community.
For many eligible youth, this recognition serves as a bridge between grassroots activism and formal leadership. The program seeks individuals who have taken the initiative to solve problems, organize their peers, or advocate for marginalized voices within their school districts or municipalities.
Eligibility and Nomination Guidelines
To be considered for the award, nominees must be residents of Iowa and be 25 years of age or younger at the time of the nomination. The selection committee looks for evidence of “outstanding civic engagement,” a broad category that can include a variety of activities.
Potential areas of impact that may qualify a nominee include:
- Organizing voter registration drives or educating peers on the electoral process.
- Leading community service projects that address food insecurity, homelessness, or environmental concerns.
- Developing innovative solutions to local governance issues through youth councils or boards.
- Advocating for policy changes at the local or state level through organized civic action.
The nomination process is designed to be accessible, allowing teachers, community leaders, peers, or the individuals themselves to submit a candidate for consideration. The focus remains on the documented impact of the nominee’s work rather than just the title of the position they hold.
Key Program Milestones
The timeline for the 2026 award cycle follows a structured path from local nomination to national recognition. Because the award is coordinated through NASS, the selection process involves both state-level review and national coordination.
| Phase | Action/Deadline | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination Period | Now through April 30 | Collection of youth leadership candidates |
| State Review | Post-April 30 | Selection of up to two Iowa recipients |
| National Recognition | NASS Winter Conference | Official award presentation |
Why Youth Leadership Matters in Iowa
The emphasis on youth leadership comes at a time when civic participation among young adults is a focal point for election officials nationwide. By recognizing young leaders, the Secretary of State’s office aims to foster a culture of participation that extends beyond the ballot box.
Civic engagement for young Iowans often manifests in diverse ways, from rural community organizing to urban advocacy. The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award provides a formal mechanism to validate these efforts, signaling to other young people that their contributions to the public good are noticed and valued by the state government.
the opportunity to attend the NASS winter conference allows recipients to network with secretaries of state and other youth leaders from different political and geographic backgrounds. This exchange of ideas is a core component of the program’s goal to build a more robust and inclusive democratic framework.
How to Submit a Nomination
Individuals interested in nominating a young leader or seeking more detailed information regarding the 2026 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award in Iowa can access the official portal through the Secretary of State’s website. The submission process requires details about the nominee’s specific contributions and the results of their leadership efforts.
The official submission page can be found at sos.iowa.gov.
As the April 30 deadline approaches, the Secretary of State’s office encourages the public to look toward those “unsung heroes” in their communities—students and young adults who may not seek the spotlight but whose work has fundamentally improved the lives of those around them.
The next confirmed step in the process will be the closing of the nomination window on April 30, followed by the state-level review process to determine the recipients who will represent Iowa on the national stage.
Do you know a young Iowan making a difference? Share this article or leave a comment to help spread the word about these nominations.
