their parents alike. McIntyre invited all public and private schools in his district to send an outstanding junior to a one-day seminar to discuss issues that affected their communities and also to propose ways in which to resolve them, encouraging the students to have a direct impact on their local communities. In addition, McIntyre was well known for his school volunteer work, which started when he first began his law career in 1981 when he organized the Robeson County Bar Association's Citizenship Education Committee. He continued throughout his congressional career to volunteer in the schools and has done so for over 35 years. From the Washington Workshops Foundation to the John C. Stennis Program for Congressional Interns on Capitol Hill, from elementary schools to graduate & professional schools, from hosting students in his office, to being invited as a freshman his first year in office to the Presidents' Summit for America's Future because of his long history of involvement in helping young people, McIntyre's work with youth and his inspirational speeches to school assemblies, in the classrooms and at events on Capitol Hill have reached thousands of students for more than three decades. He was recognized for his work with educators and youth prior to serving in Congress in 1989 with the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service and during his congressional career with the North Carolina Parent – Teachers' Association (PTA) bestowing upon him an honorary life membership. Political campaigns Post-Congressional activity Upon his retirement from Congress, Mike McIntyre joined Poyner Spruill law firm in Raleigh, North Carolina as Senior Advisor and Director of Government Relations, concentrating on business and economic development, as well as working with a variety of clients on various government relations matters on the federal, state, regional, and local levels. In 2017, McIntyre worked with the North Carolina Bar Association to develop the Youth Leadership Challenge program which provides opportunities for civic engagement and community leadership to high school students. An earmarked contribution from McIntyre's congressional campaign fund for the North Carolina Bar Foundation Endowment made this initiative possible. Additionally, McIntyre assisted in establishing a new mentoring program through the UNC Christian Legal Society called, The McIntyre-Whichard Legal Fellows Program. Named in honor of McIntyre and former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Willis Whichard, the program pairs UNC law students with legal professionals in the community for a year-long mentorship which focuses on professional and