Applications are now open for the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness 2026 program, an ambitious national initiative designed to empower young people to lead meaningful civic change in their communities.
The program, launched by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, aims to mobilize a new generation of young civic leaders who are ready to tackle pressing community challenges through collaboration, evidence-based problem solving, and inclusive dialogue.
Each year, the initiative selects approximately 100 youth-led teams consisting of five members each, bringing together a total of 500 young leaders from across the United States. These teams receive funding, mentorship, and professional development support to implement civic projects that address real challenges within their communities.
Selected teams can receive up to $7,500 in funding along with coaching, networking opportunities, and a full year of program support to bring their ideas to life and create measurable community impact.
The program is part of a broader effort to spark a nationwide movement of civic problem-solvers and aims to support 20 million young civic innovators by 2029.
About the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Program
Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness is a youth empowerment program focused on strengthening civic engagement and leadership among young people aged 14 to 24.
The program recognizes that young people are already leading important efforts to address social and community challenges. By providing resources, mentorship, and a national peer network, the initiative helps young changemakers transform their ideas into impactful community-driven solutions.
Participants develop three essential civic skills throughout the fellowship experience. These include the ability to engage in productive conversations across differences, the ability to identify and use credible information to understand complex issues, and the capacity to collaborate with others to design and implement solutions.
Through these skills, participants not only work on their own projects but also contribute to strengthening civic trust and problem-solving capacity within their communities.
Program Impact and Vision
The Carnegie Young Leaders initiative is designed to create a large-scale movement of civic leadership among young people.
The program brings together youth from diverse geographic, political, and cultural backgrounds across the United States. Participants work together to address challenges that affect their communities, ranging from public health and environmental sustainability to misinformation, civic participation, education, and economic opportunity.
The inaugural class of Carnegie Young Leaders includes 500 participants working on projects supported by an initial investment of $2.05 million from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
By supporting youth-led initiatives, the program seeks to strengthen democratic participation and encourage collaborative approaches to solving societal problems.
Click HERE to download the details and FAQ.
Funding and Support for Fellows
Each selected team receives a financial stipend of up to $7,500 to support the implementation of their civic project.
This funding recognizes the value of the participants’ time and effort while providing the resources needed to execute their community initiatives.
In addition to financial support, fellows receive:
Personalized coaching from experienced mentors and community leaders.
Access to hands-on training and learning sessions designed to strengthen civic leadership skills.
Participation in a national peer network of young changemakers working on similar challenges.
Membership in a Community of Practice where fellows exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from each other.
The program encourages participants to develop innovative solutions rooted in their lived experiences and the specific needs of their communities.
Types of Civic Projects
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that address a wide range of community issues.
Possible areas of focus include climate change, public health, education, economic opportunity, community well-being, misinformation, democratic participation, and food security.
Projects should aim to reach at least 75 individuals through in-person engagement or 300 participants through online activities.
The program is particularly interested in initiatives that bring people together across differences, encourage dialogue and understanding, and use credible evidence to inform decision-making.
Click HERE to nominate a young person to apply.
Team Structure
Applicants must apply as part of a team consisting of five members.
This team-based approach encourages collaboration, peer learning, and shared leadership throughout the program.
Working in teams allows participants to develop stronger project ideas and ensures that responsibilities are distributed effectively among group members.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to young people aged 14 to 24 who are interested in leading community-based civic initiatives.
Applicants are encouraged to come from diverse racial, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. The program places particular emphasis on supporting young people from communities where civic leadership opportunities may be limited.
Both new and experienced changemakers are welcome to apply.
Participants do not need to have extensive prior experience in civic engagement, but they should demonstrate motivation, curiosity, and commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.
Learning and Leadership Development
Throughout the program, fellows engage in leadership development experiences designed to strengthen their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.
Participants learn how to facilitate productive conversations, gather and evaluate credible information, and work with community members to design solutions that address real challenges.
These skills help participants build confidence and strengthen their capacity to lead civic initiatives both during and beyond the program.
Community and Networking Opportunities
Participants become part of a national network of young civic leaders from across the United States.
This network includes young people from urban and rural communities, different political perspectives, and diverse cultural backgrounds.
The program provides opportunities for fellows to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions that extend beyond their own communities.
Through these interactions, participants gain exposure to a wide range of perspectives and experiences that enrich their leadership development.
Examples of Youth-Led Impact
Carnegie Young Leaders have already launched projects that demonstrate the power of youth-driven civic engagement.
One example is a project led by Karrington Harried, who created a program that pairs students with seniors in retirement homes to build intergenerational connections and reduce loneliness among older adults.
Another initiative organized by Patricia Mathu brings community members together for discussions on agriculture and food systems, encouraging dialogue between individuals with different political perspectives.
These projects illustrate how small actions can create meaningful change and strengthen community relationships.
Application Deadline
The priority deadline for applications is March 30, 2026.
Interested applicants should begin preparing their project proposals and assembling their teams as early as possible.
Application Link
Applicants can begin their application through the Official Program Portal.
Click HERE to learn more about the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness 2026 program.
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