Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has officially announced that nominations are now open for the 2026 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. The program is designed to recognize and honor young Iowans who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities through outstanding civic engagement, service, and leadership.
The award focuses on individuals aged 25 or younger, highlighting the impact of youth-led initiatives in the state. This year marks the fifth year that Iowa has participated in the program, which was established following the passing of Congressman John Lewis to honor his legacy of peaceful protest and civil rights leadership via the Iowa Secretary of State.
Eligible candidates are those who have shown a meaningful commitment to improving the lives of others. The nomination process is currently active, providing a window for citizens and organizations to bring forward the achievements of the state’s most impactful young leaders.
Nomination Process and Deadlines
The window for submitting nominations is brief. According to official announcements, nominations for the 2026 award cycle will be accepted through April 30 via Business Record. Those wishing to nominate a deserving young leader are encouraged to visit the official Secretary of State website at sos.iowa.gov for more information and to submit their entries.
The selection process aims to identify those who embody the spirit of civic duty. Previous recognitions have included diverse groups of young people; for instance, in June 2025, Secretary Pate presented the award to groups from Waterloo and Iowa City who demonstrated significant commitment to their communities via the Iowa Secretary of State.
Recognition and National Presentation
The 2026 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award involves both state-level recognition and a national spotlight. Up to two recipients from Iowa will be selected to be honored during a national presentation via Business Record.
This national ceremony takes place during the National Association of Secretaries of State winter conference, providing a platform for the recipients’ achievements to be recognized by government officials and peers from across the United States. This elevated visibility underscores the importance of youth leadership in shaping the future of civic governance.
Key Award Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Age | 25 years traditional or younger |
| Nomination Deadline | April 30, 2026 |
| Number of National Honorees | Up to two recipients |
| Presentation Venue | National Association of Secretaries of State winter conference |
| Program Anniversary | 5th year of Iowa participation |
The next confirmed milestone for this program is the nomination deadline on April 30, after which the selection process for the national presentation will commence.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the importance of youth civic engagement in the comments below and share this article with those who may know a deserving nominee.