John Mercer Langston Institute

Don Scott High School Leadership Program

The Don Scott High School Leadership Program is a selective initiative of the John Mercer Langston Institute at Virginia State University. It prepares African American high school seniors to lead through civic engagement, public service, and policy awareness.

Who Should Apply

African American high school seniors in Virginia with a passion for leadership, justice, and community change.

Program Structure

  • March 3: Opening Session – Virginia State Capitol
  • April 18 & May 17: Saturday Leadership Sessions – VSU
  • June 26–27: Overnight Closing Residency – VSU

Why Apply?

  • Learn directly from Black political leaders
  • Build leadership and public speaking skills
  • Join a powerful peer cohort
  • Prepare for college and civic life

Apply by February 25, 2026.

View the Application

Contact Us

1 Hayden Drive, Petersburg, VA 23806
JMLI@vsu.edu

JMLI Video

The JMLI seeks to actively promote and advance the knowledge about African American political leadership while simultaneously empowering, growing, and connecting future and current leaders from across the state. 

JMLI Video

Who may participate in the John Mercer Langston Political Leadership Institute?

JMLI is designed for all aspiring leaders who from the Commonwealth of Virginia who identify as African American or Black who are interested in issues that affect underserved communities. The institute is open to both individuals in college (undergraduate and post-bachelor studies) and persons who are no longer in school. Our institute is for African Americans who believe in developing political leadership. To that point, all participants must be over the age of 18.

How often does the cohort meet?

Meeting Dates To Be Determined.

Do participants receive credits that they can later transfer to a post-secondary institution?

No, we do not offer academic credit for participating in JMLI.

Does the applicant have to be interested in running for office in order to apply?

No. JMLI is for the person who wants to run for office, wants to work in local or state government, who is an activist, who is an organizer, who is politically involved or may still be learning. Our objective is to provide every participant with what they need in order to help improve our communities.

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