Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness 2025 program

Omran Aburayya
Apr 24
2 min read

The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness 2025 program is a fully funded, year-long fellowship designed to empower young changemakers across the United States. Organized by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars and supported by a $2.05 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of civic leaders prepared to address pressing community challenges. Here's everything you need to know.

🗒️ Program Overview

Eligibility: U.S. residents aged 14–24
Team Structure: Groups of 5 (1 Team Lead + 4 Fellows)
Program Duration: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Application Deadline: May 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EST
Priority Deadline: May 1, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: June 30, 2025
Program Kickoff (Team Leads): July 28–30, 2025, in Princeton, NJ

🎁 Benefits

Stipends:

$2,500 for each Team Lead
$1,000 for each Team Member

Project Funding:.Up to $1,000 reimbursement for project expenses
Support: Regular coaching and mentorship from experienced peers and community mentors
Community: Access to a national network of young changemakers and influential leaders
Experience: Hands-on involvement in real-world projects addressing community needs

🕵🏻Project Focus Areas

Participants are encouraged to develop projects that address local issues such as:

Climate change
Criminal justice reform
Education
Community health and wellness
Economic opportunity
Immigration
Transportation
Elections

Priority will be given to projects that include voter education and/or engagement in local elections.

🧩 Expectations

- Time Commitment:

Team Members: 5–7 hours per month
Team Leads: 7–10 hours per month

Engagement: Active participation in bi-monthly Community of Practice sessions, coaching meetings, and team activities
Deliverables: Completion of pre- and post-program surveys, monthly progress surveys, a final team report, and individual program evaluations
Technology: Access to necessary technology for communication and participation in virtual meetings

📝 Application Process

Form a Team: Assemble a group of 5 individuals (1 Team Lead and 4 Fellows).
Develop a Proposal: Identify a community need and outline a project to address it.
Submit Application: Complete the application, including a written proposal and team video, by May 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EST.
Interview: Selected applicants will be contacted for a remote interview.
Notification: Accepted teams will be notified by June 30, 2025.