Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship Program

Overview

Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness

Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness is looking for young people between the ages of 14 and 24 who are ready to step up, bridge divides, and tackle pressing issues in their communities. In 2025, 500 young civic changemakers from across the country will form 100 teams to lead community projects. Together, you’ll build the skills to have difficult conversations, strive to understand others, and collaborate productively to make a lasting impact. America’s 250th anniversary is around the corner.

Empowering change nationwide

The program builds on the success of a multi-year pilot program, now formalized with the goal of significantly increasing the number of changemakers nationwide.

The Challenge

81% of young people say they believe they have the power to change the country, however, too many young people lack the opportunities and resources to engage in, and lead, meaningful change.

The Fellows

Since 2020, Civic Spring Fellows have implemented projects around the country tackling topics such as climate change and economic development.

The Impact

Young people will gain the civic skills to engage in difficult conversations, strive to understand others, and collaborate productively to create change in their communities.

Award

* $2.5K stipend for team lead
* $1K stipend for each team member
* Up to $1K reimbursement funding to support project planning and implementation

All participants agree to:

* Participate in regular virtual or in-person meetings with your team and an assigned Coach (schedule to be set by teams).
* Complete a mandatory pre- and post-program survey and monthly surveys to assess progress and learning.
* Submit a final team report, individual program evaluation, and other identified program materials.
* Commit 5-7 hours per month (7-10 hours for Team Leads) to your project from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
* Attend 5 bi-monthly Community of Practice sessions (Sept, Nov, Jan, Mar, May) on Thursday evenings EST.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Who can apply
* Young people across the United States aged 14-24, with a focus on racial and geographic diversity, including urban and rural communities and other areas where youth lack equitable access to civic education and participation opportunities.
* Be aged 14-24 and be part of a team of 5 (4 Fellows + 1 Team Lead)
* Your team doesn’t need a formal affiliation with a school or organization.
* Informal groups are welcome!
* Have access to technology for communication and independent work, and attend meetings with your camera on.