Students With a Penchant for America's Past Sought for 2022-2023 Youth Leadership Team

(Washington, D.C.) – Young history enthusiasts eager to advance the cause of battlefield preservation are invited to apply to the American Battlefield Trust’s Youth Leadership Team for the 2022-2023 school year. This competitively selected group of high schoolers, aged 15-18, serves as the youth face and voice of the organization, inspiring a love for America’s historic treasures through efforts spanning history education, preservation and visitation. An outstanding leadership opportunity with a historical twist, the program is accepting applications until May 15, 2022.  

“Perspective is a powerful thing,” said Trust President David Duncan. “These student leaders are helping us find new ways to make history resonate in an ever-changing world. Meanwhile, we hope to impart them with the tools to engage and advocate for historic resources in their own communities.” 

Over the course of the academic year, the program will position members to pursue adventure, creativity, an expanded network and a greater understanding of both the American past and present-day efforts to preserve it. Benefits include all-expenses paid travel (with relevant guidelines respected) to Washington, D.C., for a lobbying experience on Capitol Hill, as well as an off-site trip to the Trust’s Annual Conference — the perfect opportunity to network with our nation’s leaders in historic preservation. All members will complete capstone projects that encourage their communities to consider history’s ongoing relevance, as well as develop content for the Trust’s website and social media channels. Setting members up for future success, all will receive training in leadership, program management, media relations and fundraising.  

Youth Leadership Team members of today and yesteryear have already proven that this program generates tangible impact across a spectrum of historical topics. John (YLT 2019-2020) produced a three-episode audio drama showcasing the experiences of those who fought at King’s Mountain. Charlotte (YLT 2020-2021) put her creative mind to work, writing and illustrating a children's book that promotes historic and environmental preservation. Hank (YLT 2021-2022) is pursuing efforts to revitalize and add interpretation at various sites associated with the 1864 Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid on Richmond.  

The Trust sees these ambitious young leaders as a key element in safeguarding the future of America’s historic sites, as they will carry forth concepts and knowledge acquired from the Youth Leadership Team and weave them into the fabric of their everyday lives. Acknowledging its profound effects, the Pipkin Charitable Foundation is a generous supporter of the program.  

If you know a student interested in participating, please encourage them to apply. For more details and information, please visit www.battlefields.org/youth-leadership-team. 

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 54,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org. 

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