Champions for Change Native Youth Leadership Program (US)

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The Champions for Change (CFC) Program supports and develops Native and Indigenous youth leaders in the United States through hands-on learning, leadership development, and advocacy training. Organized by the Center for Native American Youth, the programme selects five outstanding young leaders to join the CFC leadership network. Selected participants gain opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, develop advocacy abilities, and connect with other young people working to create positive change in their communities. The programme is designed to empower young Native leaders to take action in their schools, reservations, and urban communities while building the skills and networks needed for long-term community impact.

About the Champions for Change Program

The Champions for Change Program is a youth leadership initiative focused on developing Native and Indigenous young people through practical, experience-based learning. Rather than relying solely on classroom-style instruction, the programme emphasizes hands-on experiences and tailored advocacy training. Participants become part of a broader leadership network where they can learn from peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen their ability to advocate for issues affecting their communities. What Does the Program Offer? The CFC Program is designed around leadership development and advocacy.

Key opportunities include:

- Experience-based leadership learning. - Tailored advocacy training. - Opportunities to develop practical leadership skills. - Connections with other Native and Indigenous youth leaders. - Participation in a youth leadership network. - Opportunities to create positive change in local communities. - Exposure to advocacy approaches that can be applied in schools, reservations, and urban communities. The programme focuses on helping young people turn their ideas and experiences into meaningful community action. How Many Young Leaders Are Selected? The Center for Native American Youth selects five outstanding young leaders for the Champions for Change leadership network. Because the programme selects a small cohort, applicants should clearly demonstrate their leadership experience, community involvement, commitment to positive change, and potential to benefit from advocacy training. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended specifically for Native and Indigenous youth living in the United States. Applicants must meet all of the stated eligibility requirements.

To be eligible, applicants must:

- Self-identify as Native or Indigenous. - Be between 14 and 24 years old as of January 1, 2026. - Currently reside in the United States. Applicants should carefully confirm that they meet the age and residency requirements before beginning the application. Native and Indigenous Youth Eligibility The programme is specifically designed for young people who identify as Native or Indigenous. Applicants must self-identify as Native or Indigenous to be considered for the programme. This focus allows the Champions for Change network to provide leadership and advocacy development opportunities specifically for young Native and Indigenous leaders. Age Requirement Applicants must be between 14 and 24 years old as of January 1, 2026. The age requirement is determined based on the applicant’s age on that specific date rather than simply their age at the time of submitting the application. Young people who fall outside the specified age range are not eligible under the stated criteria. U.S. Residency Requirement Applicants must currently reside in the United States. The programme is therefore intended for Native and Indigenous youth who are currently living in the United States and are able to participate as members of the CFC leadership network. What Is the Purpose of the Champions for Change Program? The programme seeks to strengthen the next generation of Native and Indigenous leaders.

Its goals include:

- Developing youth leadership skills. - Providing practical advocacy training. - Encouraging young people to participate in community change. - Building connections among Native and Indigenous youth leaders. - Supporting youth-led efforts to address community issues. - Empowering participants to create positive change in their communities. Participants can apply their learning to issues and opportunities within their schools, reservations, and urban communities. Experience-Based Learning A central feature of the programme is its emphasis on experience-based learning. This approach allows participants to develop skills through practical experiences rather than relying only on theoretical instruction. Young leaders can use these experiences to better understand leadership, advocacy, community engagement, and strategies for creating meaningful change. Advocacy Training The CFC Program provides tailored advocacy training to help participants develop the skills needed to speak about issues that matter to their communities. Advocacy development can help young leaders communicate their ideas effectively, engage with others, and work toward constructive solutions to community challenges. The training is intended to complement participants’ existing experiences and help them become more effective advocates. Building a Youth Leadership Network Selected participants become part of the CFC leadership network. The network provides an opportunity for young leaders to connect with peers who are also working to make a difference. Peer connections can allow participants to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and develop relationships with other emerging Native and Indigenous leaders. Creating Positive Change in Communities The programme encourages participants to use their leadership and advocacy skills to create positive change in the communities where they live and study.

Potential areas of impact can include:

- Schools. - Reservations. - Urban Native communities. - Youth initiatives. - Community advocacy. - Local leadership