YLabs Youth Leadership Fellow 2026: Remote Fellowship Opportunity for Young Changemakers in Digital Health and Youth Advocacy

YLabs is now accepting applications for the Youth Leadership Fellow position under its innovative digital youth wellness initiative, AskingforaFriend.org (AFAF). This exciting remote fellowship opportunity is designed for passionate young leaders across the United States who are committed to supporting adolescent health, youth empowerment, mental wellness, and inclusive digital resources for marginalized communities.

The fellowship offers young people the chance to directly shape a national youth-focused platform that addresses critical issues affecting adolescents, including mental health, sexual health, gender-based violence (GBV), identity affirmation, and access to supportive care resources.

Successful applicants will receive compensation of up to USD 5,000 per month while working remotely with a globally recognized youth innovation organization.

Applications close on 05 June 2026.

About YLabs

YLabs is a leading international organization focused on designing technologies and solutions that amplify youth power, opportunity, agency, and wellbeing.

Founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs works closely with young people to co-create inclusive digital products and services that address some of the world’s most pressing social challenges.

The organization combines expertise in:

• Youth-centered design
• Adolescent health
• Climate resilience
• Livelihoods and economic opportunity
• Behavioral science
• Epidemiology
• Digital product development
• Public health innovation

YLabs has worked across 18 countries and maintains operations in:

• Rwanda
• United States

Their work focuses on three primary impact areas:

1. Optimum health and wellness
2. Improved economic opportunity
3. Increased climate resilience

About AskingforaFriend.org (AFAF)

AskingforaFriend.org is a youth-centered digital platform designed specifically for adolescents aged 12–19 years.

The platform was co-designed with more than 300 young people in California to help adolescents learn about, access, and utilize sensitive wellness resources.

The platform supports youth in areas such as:

• Sexual health
• Mental health
• Identity affirmation
• Gender-based violence support
• Emotional wellbeing
• Youth-centered healthcare navigation

The initiative particularly prioritizes historically marginalized and underserved youth communities.

YLabs is now preparing to expand the platform nationally across the United States to support even more young people.

About the Youth Leadership Fellow Position

The Youth Leadership Fellow will play a major role in supporting the national expansion of AskingforaFriend.org.

The selected fellow will work alongside:

• YLabs experts
• Youth leaders
• International fellows
• Public health professionals
• Digital campaign teams

This role is ideal for a young person passionate about youth advocacy, digital health, storytelling, wellness access, and community engagement.

Fellowship Overview

Fellowship Responsibilities

The selected fellow will contribute to a variety of youth-centered activities and national engagement initiatives.

1. Develop Youth Wellness Content

The fellow will help create:

• Decision support tools
• Health quizzes
• FAQ responses
• Informational wellness content

The content will respond directly to issues and concerns submitted by young people through the platform.

Topics may include:

• Mental health
• Sexual wellness
• Healthy relationships
• Identity support
• Emotional wellbeing
• Safety and support services

2. Support Partnership Development

The fellow will help identify and engage organizations and individuals aligned with the mission of AskingforaFriend.org.

This includes:

• Building strategic relationships
• Expanding outreach efforts
• Strengthening youth support networks
• Supporting collaborative initiatives

3. Contribute to National Marketing Campaigns

The selected fellow will support the creation of a national awareness campaign as the platform expands beyond California.

Responsibilities may include:

• Creating paid and organic social media content
• Youth-centered storytelling
• Campaign messaging
• Digital engagement
• Marketing outreach strategies

4. Advocacy and Public Engagement

The fellow may also support:

• Webinars
• Conference presentations
• Youth advocacy initiatives
• Public awareness activities
• Platform promotion

This role provides significant opportunities for leadership development and public speaking experience.

Who Should Apply?

YLabs encourages applications from young people who are deeply passionate about youth wellbeing and social impact.

The organization specifically welcomes applicants who:

• Care about helping young people access support and information
• Have experience advocating for youth issues
• Have studied health, education, or public health topics
• Have volunteered in youth-centered initiatives
• Possess strong communication skills
• Understand the needs of marginalized youth communities

Importantly, YLabs emphasizes that applicants do not need traditional credentials or highly polished resumes to qualify.

The organization values:

• Lived experience
• Authenticity
• Passion
• Creativity
• Community connection
• Leadership potential

Desired Qualifications

Applicants should ideally demonstrate:

Strong Communication Skills

• Excellent writing abilities
• Ability to communicate with adolescents
• Clear storytelling skills
• Public engagement abilities

Passion for Youth and Digital Health

Candidates should show interest in:

• Youth advocacy
• Digital health
• Public health education
• Social impact
• Wellness innovation
• Community support

Personal Connection to the Mission

YLabs strongly 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
• Why this work matters personally to them

Compensation and Benefits

Monthly Compensation

The fellowship offers:

USD 5,000 per month (full-time equivalent)

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Additional Fellowship Benefits

Participants will gain:

• Leadership experience
• National advocacy exposure
• Public health communication skills
• Digital campaign experience
• Professional networking opportunities
• Collaboration experience with international experts
• Experience in youth-centered design and innovation

The fellowship can significantly strengthen future careers in:

• Public health
• Youth development
• Advocacy
• Communications
• Nonprofit leadership
• Behavioral science
• Social innovation
• Community engagement

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Resume

A current resume outlining education, experience, and relevant involvement.

2. Short Video Submission (2–5 Minutes)

Applicants must upload a short video answering several prompts.

The video should include:

• 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
• Ideas for new quizzes, FAQs, or support tools the platform could include

Video Submission Instructions

Applicants should:

1. Upload the video to:
   • Google Drive
   • YouTube
2. Ensure accessibility settings allow viewing.
3. Paste the accessible link into the application form.

YLabs notes that professional editing is not required. Applicants are encouraged to focus on authenticity and clarity.

Information Session

Interested applicants can attend an informational session to learn more about the role and how to get involved.

Session Details

Equal Opportunity Commitment

YLabs strongly promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The organization encourages applications from people of all:

• Races
• Cultures
• Educational backgrounds
• Socio-economic groups
• Gender identities
• Sexual orientations
• Physical abilities
• Age groups

YLabs does not discriminate based on protected characteristics under applicable laws.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 05 June 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

How to Apply

Applicants can learn more and submit applications through the official YLabs careers platform

Apply Here 

For more information on this fellowship, click here 

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