YLabs Youth Leadership Fellow 2026: A Deep Dive into a Digital Health Opportunity

YLabs is offering a unique remote fellowship for young changemakers interested in digital health and youth advocacy. This opportunity, focused on the AskingforaFriend.org (AFAF) initiative, aims to empower adolescents by providing them with accessible and inclusive digital resources. The fellowship is designed for passionate young leaders across the United States who are dedicated to improving adolescent health, fostering youth empowerment, and promoting mental wellness.

This fellowship provides a chance to actively shape a national platform addressing critical issues such as mental health, sexual health, gender-based violence, and access to supportive care. Successful applicants will receive a competitive monthly compensation while working remotely with a globally recognized youth innovation organization. The application deadline is approaching quickly, making it essential for interested individuals to understand the scope and responsibilities of this exciting role.

About YLabs and AskingforaFriend.org

YLabs is an international organization established in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab. Its core mission is to design technologies and solutions that enhance youth power, opportunity, agency, and well-being. The organization collaborates closely with young people to co-create digital products and services that tackle significant social challenges. YLabs combines expertise in youth-centered design, adolescent health, behavioral science, digital product development, and public health innovation. They have a global reach, working in countries like Rwanda and maintaining operations in the United States.

AskingforaFriend.org (AFAF) is a youth-centered digital platform specifically created for adolescents aged 12-19. This platform was developed in collaboration with over 300 young people in California to help them learn about, access, and use sensitive wellness resources. AFAF supports youth in areas including sexual health, mental health, identity affirmation, gender-based violence support, emotional well-being, and navigating youth-centered healthcare. The initiative places a strong emphasis on supporting historically marginalized and underserved youth communities. YLabs is now working to expand AFAF nationally across the United States to reach a broader audience.

The Youth Leadership Fellow Role

The Youth Leadership Fellow will be instrumental in supporting the national expansion of AskingforaFriend.org. This role involves working closely with YLabs experts, other youth leaders, international fellows, public health professionals, and digital campaign teams. It is an ideal position for a young person who is passionate about youth advocacy, digital health, storytelling, accessing wellness resources, and community engagement. The fellowship offers a significant opportunity for leadership development and gaining public speaking experience.

Fellowship Overview

Category	Details
Organization	YLabs
Position	Youth Leadership Fellow
Employment Type	Fellow
Location	United States (Remote)
Duration	June – October 2026
Time Commitment	50% – 100%
Compensation	USD 5,000 per month
Experience Level	Entry-level
Application Deadline	05 June 2026

Key Responsibilities of the Fellow

The selected fellow will contribute to various youth-centered activities and national engagement initiatives. These responsibilities are designed to provide a well-rounded experience in digital health advocacy and platform development.

Develop Youth Wellness Content

A primary duty will be to help create various forms of content for the platform. This includes developing decision support tools, health quizzes, FAQ responses, and informational wellness content. This content will directly address the issues and concerns submitted by young people through the AFAF platform. Topics covered may range from mental health and sexual wellness to healthy relationships, identity support, emotional well-being, and safety and support services.

Support Partnership Development

The fellow will assist in identifying and engaging with organizations and individuals who align with the mission of AskingforaFriend.org. This involves building strategic relationships, expanding outreach efforts, strengthening youth support networks, and supporting collaborative initiatives. Building these connections is key to increasing the platform’s reach and impact within communities.

Contribute to National Marketing Campaigns

As the platform expands beyond California, the fellow will support the creation of a national awareness campaign. Responsibilities in this area may include creating paid and organic social media content, developing youth-centered storytelling, crafting campaign messaging, driving digital engagement, and implementing marketing outreach strategies. This aspect of the role offers hands-on experience in digital marketing and campaign management.

Advocacy and Public Engagement

The fellowship may also involve supporting advocacy efforts and public engagement activities. This could include assisting with webinars, conference presentations, youth advocacy initiatives, public awareness activities, and platform promotion. These activities provide valuable experience in public speaking and advocating for youth-focused health initiatives.

Who Should Apply?

YLabs encourages applications from young individuals who are deeply passionate about youth well-being and social impact. The organization particularly welcomes applicants who demonstrate a genuine care for helping young people access support and information. Experience advocating for youth issues, studying health or public health topics, or volunteering in youth-centered initiatives are beneficial. Strong communication skills and an understanding of the needs of marginalized youth communities are also highly valued.

It is important to note that YLabs emphasizes that traditional credentials or highly polished resumes are not strictly required. The organization places significant value on lived experience, authenticity, passion, creativity, community connection, and leadership potential. This approach ensures that the fellowship is accessible to a diverse range of talented individuals.

Desired Qualifications

While formal qualifications are not the sole focus, certain skills and experiences are particularly desirable for this role.

Strong Communication Skills

Excellent writing abilities are essential for content development and campaign messaging. The ability to communicate effectively with adolescents, share clear stories, and engage with the public is also crucial. These skills will be used daily in various aspects of the fellowship.

Passion for Youth and Digital Health

Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in youth advocacy, digital health, public health education, social impact, wellness innovation, and community support. This passion will drive their engagement with the platform and its mission. A genuine interest in these areas ensures a motivated and dedicated fellow.

Personal Connection to the Mission

YLabs highly values applicants whose lived experiences align with the communities the platform serves. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on whether AskingforaFriend.org addresses needs they or their communities have experienced and why this work is personally meaningful to them. This personal connection can bring a unique perspective and deeper commitment to the role.

Compensation and Benefits

The Youth Leadership Fellow position offers a competitive monthly compensation of up to USD 5,000 per month, based on a full-time equivalent. This compensation is commensurate with experience, ensuring fair remuneration for the fellow’s contributions.

Additional Fellowship Benefits

Beyond financial compensation, participants will gain invaluable experience. This includes leadership development, national advocacy exposure, public health communication skills, digital campaign experience, and professional networking opportunities. Fellows will also collaborate with international experts and gain experience in youth-centered design and innovation. This fellowship can significantly strengthen future careers in public health, youth development, advocacy, communications, nonprofit leadership, behavioral science, social innovation, and community engagement.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit specific materials to be considered for the fellowship.

Resume

A current resume detailing education, relevant experience, and involvement in youth-focused activities is required. This document should highlight skills and experiences pertinent to the fellowship’s responsibilities.

Short Video Submission (2-5 Minutes)

Applicants must upload a short video answering several prompts. The video should include an introduction about yourself, why you care about Asking for a Friend, why you want to become the Youth Leadership Fellow, why you are the best person for the role, and ideas for new quizzes, FAQs, or support tools the platform could include. Professional editing is not required; authenticity and clarity are prioritized. The video link should be pasted into the application form.

Application Deadline and How to Apply

The deadline for applications is 05 June 2026. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early to ensure their application is considered. Applications can be submitted through the official YLabs careers platform. An informational session will be held on 29 May 2026 at 11:00 AM PST online for those who wish to learn more about the role and the application process. YLabs is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions