Apply Now! 2025 Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness – Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers!
Deadline: May 28, 2025
Are you ready to tackle the challenges facing your community and be a part of the solution? The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness fellowship is seeking young people aged 14-24 from across the United States to step up, bridge divides, and take action. In 2025, 500 young leaders will come together in 100 teams to launch community projects and create lasting change.
This is your opportunity to learn, lead, and make a real difference. The program offers stipends, mentorship, and the chance to be part of a prestigious national community of changemakers. Whether you’re passionate about climate change, education, criminal justice reform, or local elections—this program empowers you to act on your vision for change.
Why You Should Apply:
- Generous Stipends: Team leads receive $2.5K, team members get $1K, and you may receive up to $1K reimbursement for project expenses.
- Real-World Impact: Develop and implement projects that engage your community and create tangible, positive outcomes.
- Training & Mentorship: Receive ongoing coaching and mentorship from peers, community leaders, and experts who will guide you every step of the way.
- National Network: Join a vibrant network of young leaders, making connections with like-minded individuals, influential organizations, and future mentors.
- Hands-On Experience: Build your skills in civic leadership, problem-solving, and community organizing while working on meaningful, impactful projects.
What We’re Looking For:
The Carnegie Young Leaders program is all about community action, and we’re looking for passionate young people ready to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re focused on local environmental issues, social justice, education, or voter engagement, we want to hear from you!
Eligibility:
- Age: 14-24 years old
- Team: You must apply with a team of 5 people (4 Fellows and 1 Team Lead).
- Commitment: Be ready to dedicate 5-7 hours per month to your project (Team Leads will commit 7-10 hours).
- Location: Open to youth across the United States, especially those from diverse backgrounds (including urban and rural communities).
What You’ll Need:
- A vision for change: Identify a community need and show us how you plan to address it.
- Collaboration: Work with your team to make your idea a reality and engage with other community members.
- Technology Access: Ensure you have the necessary tech tools to communicate and collaborate effectively.
- Participation: Attend virtual meetings, bi-monthly sessions, and complete required surveys and reports.
Project Focus Areas
Your project can focus on a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
- Climate change
- Criminal justice reform
- Education
- Community health and wellness
- Economic opportunity
- Immigration and elections
Priority will be given to projects that engage youth in voter education and local elections.
Timeline:
- Applications Open: February 3, 2025
- Applications Close: May 28, 2025 (9:00 AM EST)
- Project Kickoff: July 28-30, 2025 (in Princeton, NJ)
- Project Implementation: August 2025 – June 2026
- Final Report Due: June 2, 2026
What’s Expected of You?
- Teamwork: Collaborate closely with your team and community to create meaningful change.
- Leadership: As a Team Lead, you’ll attend an in-person 2.5-day kickoff in Princeton, NJ, and lead your team through the project journey.
- Impact Measurement: Set clear goals and track the impact of your project, aiming to engage at least 75 community members in person or 300 virtually.
How to Apply:
- Submit Your Application: Fill out the application form and submit a team video outlining your project proposal.
- Interview Process: Applicants will be contacted for remote interviews after the initial application review.
- Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 9:00 AM EST on May 28, 2025.
Selection Criteria:
We are looking for teams that demonstrate:
- A commitment to community impact and a clear vision for your project.
- Collaboration skills, with a focus on engaging with diverse perspectives and people.
- A plan for sustainability, ensuring your project’s impact continues beyond the fellowship.
Ready to Lead Change?
Join the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness program and become part of a generation of leaders who are tackling the issues that matter most to their communities. Apply Now to make your voice heard and take action on the issues that affect you and your community.
Sign up for Fellowship Alerts if you’re not quite ready to apply, or need more information!
