The Youth Power Project's Youth Policymaking Fellowship is a national, peer-led program designed to equip young advocates with the tools, knowledge, and access to make a real impact on public policy — at the local, state, and federal levels.

 

Over 13 weeks, fellows receive rigorous policy education, develop and advance a policy solution from idea to execution, and build meaningful relationships with lawmakers, organizers, and changemakers across the country. This is not just a training program — it is a launchpad for the next generation of policy leaders.

 

The fellowship is open to young people ages 16–23 across the United States. All sessions are held virtually in the evenings (PST), making it accessible for students and working young advocates alike.

​

Fellows will: 

• Analyze policy problems at the local, state, and federal level

• Draft policy memos, briefs, and advocacy strategies

• Develop and pitch a real policy solution as your capstone project

• Engage with guest speakers — activists, lawmakers, think tank leaders, and campaign strategists

• Build and launch a digital advocacy campaign

• Learn how to meet with and influence elected officials

• Collaborate with a national cohort of 20–25 young advocates

 

* Fellows who complete the program may also have the opportunity to participate in a Washington, DC Hill Day summit in Fall 2026, pending funding and coalition partnerships — giving them the chance to bring their policy work directly to Members of Congress.

​

Duration: 13 weeks (July 6 – late September 2026)

Format: Virtual—evening sessions scheduled on PST time

Time Commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per week

Cohort Size: 20–25 fellows, nationally selected

​

Applications open on May 19, 2026, and close June 15, 2026. Learn more here and apply using the link below!