The John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship (JLYL) is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 fellowship year. This prestigious, year-long fellowship prepares undergraduate students for careers in community organizing, civic engagement, and human rights advocacy through structured training, mentorship, and a funded capstone project.
The program is administered by Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and is inspired by the legacy of Congressman John Lewis, emphasizing courage, justice, and sustained community impact.
Applications must be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
About the John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship
The John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship is designed to equip college students with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to become effective human rights defenders. Over the course of one academic year, fellows engage deeply with their campus and local communities while developing and implementing a robust capstone project focused on social justice or human rights.
Fellows receive comprehensive support, including grassroots organizing training, one-on-one mentorship, financial resources, and access to a national network of human rights professionals, peers, and alumni. The fellowship prioritizes students from marginalized backgrounds who are most affected by systemic inequities and who demonstrate a strong commitment to creating lasting change.
2026–2027 Fellowship Timeline
Application Opens: January 5, 2026
Application Closes: February 27, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
Weekend Fellowship Retreat: June 11–14, 2026 (location to be determined)
Fellowship Start Date: August 10, 2026
Capstone Proposal Due: September 13, 2026
Monthly Meetings: Second Monday of each month
Fellowship End Date: May 30, 2027
Application Components
Applicants should prepare the following materials before beginning the application process.
Resume
A current resume highlighting academic experience, leadership roles, community involvement, and organizing or advocacy work.
Proof of Enrollment
Applicants must submit one of the following documents to verify current enrollment:
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Course schedule
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Unofficial or official academic transcript
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Enrollment verification certificate
Short Answer Questions
Applicants will respond to three short answer questions addressing:
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Student and academic involvement
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Commitment to social justice and human rights
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Leadership experience and community engagement
Capstone Project Assessment
Applicants must describe their proposed capstone project in detail, including:
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The social justice or human rights issue being addressed
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Planned activities and intended outcomes
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How the $1,000 action fund would be used to implement the project
What the Fellowship Looks For
The John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship seeks highly motivated undergraduate students who:
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Are interested in pursuing careers in organizing, advocacy, or civic engagement
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Demonstrate initiative, independence, and a willingness to challenge injustice
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Identify as impact-driven human rights defenders
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Come from marginalized communities and have lived experience with systemic inequities
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be an undergraduate student
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Be enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year accredited program
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Attend a university located in the United States
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Graduate on or after May 2027
Priority consideration is given to:
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Students attending HBCUs, HSIs, or HMSIs
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Students from marginalized or underrepresented communities
Fellow Responsibilities
Selected fellows are expected to:
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Attend the four-day John Lewis Young Leaders retreat and participate in organizing workshops
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Meet monthly with RFK Human Rights staff for one-on-one coaching
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Attend all monthly cohort meetings held on the second Monday of each month
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Complete and present a capstone project at the conclusion of the fellowship
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows receive a comprehensive package of financial and professional support, including:
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A $2,000 professional stipend, paid in two $1,000 installments during the fall and spring semesters
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$1,000 in funding to support events and activities related to the capstone project
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A fully funded fellowship retreat in summer 2026
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Freedom to focus on social justice issues that align with personal passion and lived experience
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Access to expert-led organizing resources, workshops, and human rights networks
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights maintains a strict anti-discrimination policy. Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of any protected characteristic, including but not limited to race, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or caregiver status, veteran status, pregnancy, political affiliation, arrest or conviction record, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This policy aligns with U.S. anti-discrimination legislation, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any form of improper interference with the ability of others to perform their duties is not tolerated.
Application Process
1. Register
Click on the “Register” link and complete and submit the registration form.
2. Login
Login to the award with your email and password.
3. Create
Create your online application.
4. Save
During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a 
appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the 
icon in the Application Summary section.
5. Submit
On completion, save your Application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.
TO APPLY OR GET MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE
Need Assistance?
For additional information or technical support during the application process, applicants should contact the Program Administrator through the official fellowship platform.
The John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship 2026–2027 offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students committed to justice, leadership, and community organizing to gain skills, funding, and mentorship while making a tangible impact. Applications close on February 27, 2026.
