Young adults passionate about community change, public policy, advocacy, and civic engagement have an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on organising experience, and earn income through the Fall 2026 Young Advocates Program (YAP).

Applications are now open for the Young Advocates Program, a paid leadership development initiative designed for young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 who are ready to strengthen their voices, engage their communities, and contribute to policy change.

The programme is organised by Young Invincibles (YI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organisation focused on amplifying the voices of young adults in the political process and expanding economic opportunity for the next generation.

The programme is available in three locations:

• Denver, Colorado
• Houston, Texas
• Los Angeles, California

The application deadline is:

July 17, 2026, at midnight Eastern Time

About the Young Advocates Program

The Young Advocates Program is a hands-on leadership development initiative created to prepare young adults to become community leaders and advocates for issues affecting their generation.

The programme provides participants with practical experience in:

• Public policy advocacy
• Community organising
• Leadership development
• Civic engagement
• Campaign planning
• Youth mobilisation

Participants work alongside Young Invincibles’ regional teams in California, Colorado, and Texas to strengthen youth participation in important social and economic issues.

The programme is designed for both experienced organisers and young adults taking their first steps into advocacy and public policy.

Whether applicants already have community leadership experience or are beginning their advocacy journey, the programme provides training, mentorship, and opportunities to create meaningful impact.

About Young Invincibles

Young Invincibles is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organisation committed to ensuring that young adults have a strong voice in decisions affecting their futures.

The organisation works to empower young leaders who advocate for policies that improve opportunities for their generation.

Its work focuses on areas including:

• Making higher education more affordable
• Expanding healthcare access
• Supporting quality employment opportunities
• Strengthening youth participation in civic processes

Through programmes like the Young Advocates Program, the organisation develops young leaders who can influence positive policy and community change.

Programme Overview

The Young Advocates Program is a 12-week paid leadership programme running from:

September 18, 2026 – December 11, 2026

Participants will join a cohort experience where they collaborate with other young advocates, participate in training sessions, and contribute to community-based projects.

The programme combines:

• Weekly working sessions
• Leadership training
• Advocacy projects
• Community engagement activities
• Skill-building assignments
• Mentorship opportunities

Because spaces are limited and participants receive compensation, applicants must be prepared to fully participate throughout the programme.

What Young Advocates Will Do

Participants will support campaigns and initiatives focused on major issues affecting young adults.

Activities may include:

Developing Policy Priorities

Advocates will help identify and promote policy solutions related to:

• Education access
• Healthcare affordability
• Workforce opportunities
• Economic mobility

Organising Community Campaigns

Participants may support:

• Community outreach efforts
• Advocacy campaigns
• Youth mobilisation activities
• Public awareness initiatives

Supporting Events and Conferences

Young Advocates may help organise and participate in:

• Statewide conferences
• Community events
• Leadership gatherings
• Advocacy activities

Leading Civic Engagement Efforts

Participants may contribute to:

• Voter engagement initiatives
• Youth participation campaigns
• Community education activities

Creating Digital Advocacy Content

Young Advocates will have opportunities to develop:

• Social media content
• Digital campaigns
• Public messaging strategies

Programme Schedule and Time Commitment

Advocates participate in weekly virtual or in-person working sessions, along with additional activities such as:

• One-on-one meetings with programme staff
• Skill-building assignments
• In-person events
• Special workshops

Consistent attendance and active participation are required.

Participants must commit to completing the programme through:

December 11, 2026

Session Times by Location

California

Schedule:
Fridays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT

Format:

• Virtual sessions

Colorado

Schedule:
Fridays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM MT

Format:

• Virtual sessions

Texas

Schedule:

• Tuesdays, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM CT
• Fridays, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM CT

Format:

• Virtual sessions
• In-person meetings held on the last Friday of each month

Compensation and Benefits

The Young Advocates Program is a paid opportunity.

Participants receive hourly compensation for:

• Training sessions
• Project work
• Advocacy activities

Advocates typically work approximately:

6–10 hours per week

Hourly compensation rates:

Location	Hourly Pay Rate
California	$18.42
Colorado	$19.29
Texas	$15.00

Skills and Experience Participants Gain

Through the programme, participants can develop:

• Leadership skills
• Advocacy experience
• Public speaking abilities
• Policy knowledge
• Community organising skills
• Campaign development experience
• Professional networks
• Team collaboration skills

The programme is designed to help young adults build confidence and become stronger voices within their communities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

• 18 years old or older
• No older than 34 years old

Location Requirement

Applicants must:

• Live in, or attend school in, one of the eligible regional states:
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Texas

Work Authorization

Applicants must:

• Be eligible and authorised to work in the United States.

Interest in Key Issues

Applicants should demonstrate passion or interest in:

• Higher education
• Healthcare
• Workforce development
• Community advocacy
• Social change

Personal Skills

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Ability to work independently
• Ability to collaborate with others
• Professionalism
• Initiative
• Creativity
• Flexibility
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments

Application Requirements and Participation Expectations

Selected applicants must be able to:

• Attend programme orientation on September 18, 2026.
• Attend the programme closing activities on December 11, 2026.
• Participate in required in-person events.
• Attend weekly work sessions with cameras on.
• Attend in-person meetings twice per month.
• Participate actively throughout the full programme.

Available Positions

Applications are open for:

Fall 2026 Young Advocates Program – Denver, Colorado

Click here for more and to apply

Fall 2026 Young Advocates Program – Houston, Texas

Click here for more and to apply

Fall 2026 Young Advocates Program – Los Angeles, California

Click here for more and to apply

Application Deadline

Applications close: July 17, 2026, at midnight Eastern Time

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Why Young Adults Should Apply

The Young Advocates Program provides more than training; it offers a platform for young people to develop their voices, influence important conversations, and contribute to solutions affecting their communities.

For young adults interested in leadership, advocacy, and social impact, YAP offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience, build connections, and become part of a movement creating change.

Click here for more global internship opportunities