Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Cohort of the John Lewis Young Leaders Program ($2,000 professional stipend)

Ednah Carrick January 12, 2026

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Closing Date: 1 March 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Cohort of the John Lewis Young Leaders Program ($2,000 professional stipend)

Overview

The John Lewis Young Leaders program is a year-long fellowship that prepares college students for a future in community organizing and civic engagement. Throughout the course of the year, fellows engage their campus and local communities in human rights work through a robust capstone project. Fellows receive resources and support to ensure their success in the program, including access to comprehensive grassroots organizing workshops, 1:1 mentorship from RFK Human Rights staff, financial support, and access to an extensive network of human rights professionals, peers, and program alumni. By providing fellows with these resources, RFK Human Rights aim to build their capacity and confidence to pursue careers as human rights defenders and enact positive and perpetual change in their communities

What RFK Human Rights is Looking For

The John Lewis Young Leaders (JLYL) program looks for highly motivated students who are interested in making a career out of organizing work. These students should be self-starters and not afraid to go against the grain. Students should be able to see themselves as human rights defenders and be impact-minded. Most importantly, RFK Human Rights look for students who come from marginalized backgrounds and are most often targeted by systemic issues that do not afford them the opportunities and resources needed to become human rights advocates.

Eligibility Criteria:

An undergraduate student
Enrolled in a 2 or 4 year accredited program
Enrolled in a university located in the United States
Graduating on or after May 2027

Priority is Given To:

Students attending an HBCU, HSI, or HMSI
Students from marginalized communities

Responsibilities:

Attend the 4-day John Lewis Young Leaders retreat, where you’ll participate in organizing workshops
Meet with RFK Human Rights staff monthly for 1-on-1 coaching
Attend all monthly cohort meetings held on the 2nd Monday of each month
Complete a capstone presentation with an overview of your capstone project at the conclusion of the fellowship

Fellowship Benefits:

$2,000 professional stipend (paid in two $1,000 installments over the fall and spring semesters)
$1,000 in funding for events and activities related to the completion of your capstone project
Paid-for retreat in the summer of 2026
Agency to focus on elevating social issues that motivate and inspire YOU
Access to content-rich resources from expert community organizers and activists

Timeline

Weekend Fellowship retreat: June 11 – June 14, 2026 (location to be decided)
Fellowship Start Date: August 10, 2026
Capstone Proposal Due: September 13, 2026
Monthly Meetings: Second Monday of each month
Fellowship Ends: May 30, 2027

How To Apply for the John Lewis Young Leaders Program

1. Register

Click on the “Register” link and complete and submit the registration form.

2. Login

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.

If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Program Administrator.