The southern view of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City is pictured in September 2024.
The southern view of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City is pictured in September 2024. Credit: Oklahoma Legislative Services Bureau

The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus has opened applications for high schoolers and mentors to attend its inaugural Youth Leadership Summit from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the state capitol in Oklahoma City. 

The caucus represents Oklahoma’s Latino and Hispanic population, and aims to provide positive outcomes through legislation, education and social advancement. No Tulsa-area representatives are members of the caucus, but the free event is open to students from across the state. 

High school juniors and seniors can apply to learn about civic empowerment and how to lead in their schools and communities. Applications for the event close at midnight Oct. 31. 

The summit will feature 100 students who can participate in workshops to develop their community advocacy skills and public service professional development. Students will also participate in breakout sessions about campaign basics, college and career readiness and intentional leadership. 

The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus is also calling for 50 mentors, specifically college students and young professionals, to participate in the summit and guide the next generation. Mentors must attend a short virtual orientation before the event. 

“Oklahoma’s future depends on the voices and vision of its youth,” said Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman. “This summit reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by age or race, but it is defined by purpose, courage and compassion. We are looking forward to a successful event and hope to host one every year going forward.”

Students who do not identify as Latino or Hispanic are also eligible to apply. Questions can be sent to oklatinocaucus@gmail.com

This article was produced as part of a partnership between the Tulsa Flyer and La Semana, a Tulsa-based bilingual Spanish-English newspaper serving Latino communities in Oklahoma. 

Lea este artículo en español aquí.

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Angelica Perez is the Eastside and La Semana reporter, where she focuses on Tulsa’s Latino communities in partnership with the bilingual newspaper La Semana del Sur. Angelica is featured weekly on Que...