Apply Now: Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness 2025 Fellowship(Fully-funded and open to USA residents)
Applications are open for the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness 2025 Fellowship. Young changemakers aged 14–24 can lead community projects, receive stipends, and join a national network of civic leaders. Apply by May 28, 2025.
The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness 2025 Fellowship is now accepting applications. This national program empowers young people aged 14 to 24 to lead change through hands-on community projects. With deep divisions and rising civic challenges across the country, this initiative prepares the next generation to tackle local issues, bridge divides, and strengthen democracy.
About Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness
The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship is funded in part by a $2,050,000 grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York and run by Citizens & Scholars. In 2025, the program will support 500 youth Fellows, organized into 100 teams to develop and launch real-world civic engagement projects in their communities.
The program is designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and experience to become active and informed civic leaders. It emphasizes collaboration, diversity, community engagement, and sustainable change.
Key Benefits for Fellows
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$2,500 stipend for each Team Lead
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$1,000 stipend for each Team Member
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Up to $1,000 in additional funding for project implementation
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Coaching and mentorship throughout the year
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National networking through the Citizens & Scholars Community of Practice
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Leadership development via a year-long hands-on experience
Who Can Apply
The program welcomes applications from young people aged 14 to 24, from all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Priority is given to:
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Youth from racially and geographically diverse communities
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Individuals from urban, rural, or underserved backgrounds
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Informal or school-based teams of 5 members (4 Fellows + 1 Team Lead)
What You Will Do
From July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, selected teams will:
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Launch a community project targeting an identified local issue
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Participate in bi-monthly virtual Community of Practice sessions
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Meet with assigned coaches for support and development
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Submit final project reports, evaluations, and materials
Projects must engage at least 75 people in person or 300 participants online. Topics may include climate change, criminal justice, education, public health, economic opportunity, and elections. Priority is given to proposals that include voter education or engagement.
Application Process
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Applications Open: February 3, 2025
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Deadline: May 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EST
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Notification of Grantees: June 30, 2025
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Kickoff Convening in Princeton, NJ (Team Leads only): July 28–30, 2025
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Program Duration: August 2025 – June 2026
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Final Deliverables Due: June 2, 2026
Apply here: https://ctzns-schlrs.embark.com/login/apply?target=carnegie25
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship:
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You must be between 14 and 24 years old
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You must apply as part of a 5-person team
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You must commit 5–7 hours/month (Team Leads: 7–10 hours/month)
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You must attend five Community of Practice sessions
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You must have reliable tech and internet access
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Team Leads must attend the in-person convening in Princeton, NJ
Participants will also complete surveys, reports, and participate in team meetings with assigned coaches. Informal youth groups are welcome to apply.
What Makes a Strong Application
Ideal applications will show:
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A compelling problem statement and proposed solution
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A plan to engage and impact the local community
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Willingness to collaborate across differences
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A vision for sustainability beyond the fellowship
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Alignment with Citizens & Scholars’ mission
Each project should include clear metrics for measuring success and engage community members meaningfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is civic preparedness?
Civic preparedness means being well-informed, engaged, and equipped to participate productively in democratic life.
Can undocumented youth apply?
Yes.
Do participants need a bank account?
No.
Are informal youth teams eligible?
Yes.
Can past Civic Spring/Winter/Summer grantees apply?
No. However, other future programs will be available.
Do Fellows receive funding?
Yes. Each Fellow receives a stipend, and teams can access project funding of up to $1,000.
Need more information?
Email civiceducation@citizensandscholars.org
Learn from Past Fellows
The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness program builds on a successful pilot that invested over $2 million in youth-led efforts. Past Fellows shaped public policy, expanded local services, and led high-impact civic education initiatives across the country.
Final Reminder
If you’re a young person ready to make a difference and build civic leadership skills, this opportunity is for you.
Apply by May 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EST
Visit: https://www.citizensandscholars.org/initiative/carnegie-young-leaders/