Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness

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The next generation of civic leaders
They say to be the change you want to see in the world—this is your chance. It’s no secret that America is deeply divided. The challenges we face can feel overwhelming. But real change often starts close to home.
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. Will you be part of the generation that writes our next chapter as a stronger, more unified nation?
Empowering change nationwide
Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness is partially funded through a generous $2,050,000 grant from the philanthropic foundation Carnegie Corporation of New York. 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:
In a time of deep polarization, America needs a generation ready to step up, bridge divides, and tackle pressing issues in their communities.
THE FELLOWS:
The program will bring together 500 young people aged 14–24 from across the country, empowering them to launch impactful community projects.
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.
Why you should apply
- Receive stipends that value your time and commitment
- Get regular coaching and mentorship from experienced peers and community mentors
- Spend a year immersed in a hands-on community of practice, building real-world projects that make an impact
- Join a national community of young changemakers and connect with influential leaders, organizations, and peers
- Learn how to identify and address community needs effectively while building your civic knowledge, skills and dispositions
- Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives
- Become part of the prestigious Citizens & Scholars network, unlocking future opportunities to lead as a coach or mentor
Award
- $2.5K stipend for team lead
- $1K stipend for each team member
- Up to $1K reimbursement funding to support project planning and implementation
Team lead and team member stipends are contingent upon active participation in the in-person convening (team leads only), community of practice meetings (whole team), and coaching sessions (whole team).
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.
What we’re looking for
Proposal topics can include but are not limited to climate change, criminal justice, education, community health & wellness, economic opportunity, environment, immigration, transportation, and/or elections.
Successful projects should aim to engage at least 75 community members in person or at least 300 individuals through virtual platforms.
Priority will be given to projects that include voter education and/or engagement in local elections.
Eligibility & Expectations
To qualify, you must:
- Be aged 14-24 and be part of a team of 5 (4 Fellows + 1 Team Lead)
- Address a community need with a vision for change and ideas for making it happen in your project proposal
- 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
- Have access to technology for communication and independent work, and attend meetings with your camera on
As a Team Lead, you must:
- Attend a 2.5-day in-person program kickoff in Princeton, NJ (July 28-30, travel stipend provided)
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
Your team doesn’t need a formal affiliation with a school or organization. Informal groups are welcome!
Please reach out to civiceducation@citizensandscholars.org with any questions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a completed application here.
Applications must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Please note that the application process consists of two parts: 1) submission of a written application and team video and 2) applicant interviews. Applicants will be contacted to schedule a remote interview.
Timeline
- Applications open: February 3, 2025 (due by 9:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, May 28)
- Applications close: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
- June 30: Grantees notified (by end of day)
- July 14: Contracts, release forms & other materials completed by program participants (due by 11:59 p.m. EST)
- Monday, July 28 – Wednesday, July 30: Kickoff Convening in Princeton, NJ
- August 2025 – June 2026: Project implementation, coaching & bi-monthly meetings (virtual – September, November, January, March, and May)
- June 2: Final report, evaluation, and program materials due by 11:59 p.m. EST
Selection Information
We are looking for teams who demonstrate the following:
- Interest and Ability to Do the Work, including:
- A passion and/or desire to address an immediate community issue or need
- A sense of potential obstacles to doing the work and options for overcoming them
- Demonstrated ability to reflect on and adapt to challenges and or roadblocks and persistence in working towards goals
- A desire to work collaboratively with those who may have differing perspectives
- A Commitment to Community Impact:
- A clear and compelling reason for the proposed project and how it will impact the community or groups served.
- Examples of the problem’s urgency and/or priority in the community (i.e., do others agree this is a problem or issue?)
- Examples of first steps that might be taken
- Commitment to engaging with other individuals and/or organizations within your community
- Sustainability:
- A vision for change that exceeds the program term
- An initial plan for maintaining the progress made during the program
- A plan to partner with others in your community beyond the program
- Alignment with Citizens & Scholars Mission and Goals:
- Commitment to understanding the perspectives, opinions, and/or lived experiences of others, including those with whom you disagree
- Commitment to Carnegie Young Leaders program goals
- Evaluation of Project Outcomes:
- A general sense of activities that will make the project a success and an understanding of how to measure their success/impact (i.e., voter registration drive, community event, public service announcement)
- Successful projects should aim to engage at least 75 community members in person or at least 300 individuals through virtual platforms.
*Additional aspects of the application will also be considered, including but not limited to geographic location and diversity of beliefs and lived experiences.
Past Projects from Young Leaders
Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness builds on the success of a multi-year pilot program, which invested over $2 million to support hundreds of Fellows’ projects. These youth leaders shaped state policies, expanded access to essential services, and drove voter engagement.
FAQs
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What is civic preparedness?
Civic preparedness refers to being well-informed, productively engaged, and committed to democracy. It encompasses the skills needed for active participation in civic life, including navigating difficult conversations, finding and using reliable information, and collaborating across differences.
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What is the purpose of the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness?
To significantly increase the number of changemakers across the country by preparing and placing civic leaders aged 14-24 in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
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What is a Carnegie Young Leaders Coach?
Carnegie Young Leaders coaches are young people who use their personal and professional expertise to support Carnegie Young Leaders. Coaches have a commitment to youth engagement and leadership, an interest in intergenerational work, and an openness to working across ideological divides. Coaches dedicate approximately 4-5 hours per month to working with Fellows.
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What is the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Community of Practice?
Carnegie Young Leaders will include opportunities to engage in bi-monthly Communities of Practice; a larger meeting series meant for Fellows, coaches, and others engaged in this work. These will be chances to dive into constructive conversations across ideological differences; discuss project implementation issues; and network with peers while strengthening your ability to apply the civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions developed during the program.
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I am undocumented. Am I/are we able to apply?
Yes.
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I do not have access to a bank account – will I be able to receive my stipend?
Yes.
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I/we meet most of the eligibility requirements but not all. Should I/we apply?
No. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered for the grant.
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I would like to talk to someone about eligibility. How do I get in contact with someone?
Please review the eligibility requirements above and send specific questions to civiceducation@citizensandscholars.org. We will do our best to respond within 2 business days.
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Can previous Civic Spring, Winter, and Summer grant recipients apply for the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness program?
Unfortunately, no, but we will have other opportunities to engage Civic Spring grantees in Citizens & Scholars’ youth programming network.
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Will my team receive funding to support project implementation?
Yes; each team is eligible to receive up to $1,000. You will be asked to outline the amount of funding needed up front to start your project (up to $400), and the remaining funds that your team requires will be processed at a later date.
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Will Fellows be compensated for their work?
Yes; Team Members will be provided a stipend of $1,000. Team Leads will be provided a stipend of $2,500. Stipends will be paid in installments based on participation in the Fellowship and program progress.
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I have questions about Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness. Is it possible to schedule a brief meeting or contact someone on your teams?
Please send your questions via email to civiceducation@citizensandscholars.org.
