The Fall 2026 Young Advocates Program offers a unique opportunity for young adults to develop leadership skills and advocate for change. This hands-on initiative, run by Young Invincibles (YI), trains participants to engage with important issues affecting their generation. It’s a chance for those passionate about higher education, healthcare access, workforce development, and civic engagement to become active leaders and amplify youth voices.
About Young Invincibles (YI)
Young Invincibles (YI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young adults and expanding economic opportunities. Their mission is to ensure young adults’ voices are heard in the political process and to broaden economic prospects for their generation. YI has regional offices in California, Colorado, and Texas, and focuses on key areas such as higher education affordability, healthcare access, job quality, and voter participation.
Program Overview
The Young Advocates Program is open to individuals aged 18 to 34 who live in or attend school in California, Colorado, or Texas. It provides a structured, cohort-based experience where participants work together weekly on advocacy projects. The program aims to give young people the skills and confidence needed to make a difference in their communities.
Key Activities
Participants in the Young Advocates Program will engage in a variety of activities designed to build their advocacy skills. These include organizing campaigns focused on critical issues like higher education and worker justice, and helping to shape policy priorities that affect young adults. They will also gain experience in supporting statewide conferences and community events, leading efforts to mobilize young voters, and promoting healthcare enrollment. Additionally, participants will create digital content for advocacy purposes and recruit other young adults to join community action.
Time Commitment and Structure
The program runs for 12 weeks, from September 18, 2026, to December 11, 2026. Consistency and collaboration are key components of this cohort experience, where every participant’s contribution is valued. Weekly sessions are held virtually, with specific times varying by state. For example, Texas participants have sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, with in-person meetings on the last Friday of each month. All participants are expected to attend an in-person orientation on September 18, 2026, and a program close event on December 11, 2026. Additional in-person events, such as a Policy Shark Tank and community outreach activities, are also part of the program. Participants are required to attend weekly sessions with their cameras on and complete assignments between sessions.
Compensation
Advocates will be paid hourly for their training and project work, with an average commitment of 6 to 10 hours per week. The hourly pay rates vary by state: $18.42 in California, $19.29 in Colorado, and $15.00 in Texas. This compensation reflects the valuable work participants contribute to the program’s advocacy efforts.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Young Advocates Program, applicants must be 18 years or older and authorized to work in the United States. They must commit to the entire program duration and demonstrate alignment with YI’s mission, vision, and values. A strong interest in higher education, healthcare, or workforce issues is essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Professionalism, maturity, initiative, creativity, flexibility, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment are also important qualities. Applicants will need access to a laptop and reliable WiFi for virtual sessions.
Application Process and Deadline
The application process requires applicants to be available for all scheduled sessions and events. Submissions must include a resume, cover letter, references, and responses to short-answer questions. Applicants will also need to confirm their age and student status. The deadline for applications is July 17, 2026, at midnight Eastern Time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Young Advocates Program?
Individuals aged 18 to 34 who live in or attend school in California, Colorado, or Texas are eligible to apply.
What is the time commitment for the program?
The program lasts 12 weeks, requiring an average commitment of 6 to 10 hours per week, including weekly virtual sessions and some in-person events.
Will participants be paid for their involvement?
Yes, advocates will be paid hourly for their training and project work, with rates differing by state.
What are the key requirements for applicants?
Applicants must be 18 or older, authorized to work in the U.S., committed to the full program, and have a strong interest in higher education, healthcare, or workforce issues, along with access to a laptop and reliable WiFi.
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