The In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship 2026–2027 is now accepting applications from eligible high school students across the United States who are passionate about making their voices heard and influencing the products, services, and programs that directly affect young people. Designed as a fully remote, year-round fellowship, this unique opportunity empowers teenagers to collaborate with organizations, researchers, and designers while developing practical leadership, research, communication, and design-thinking skills.

Unlike many youth programs that prioritize academic excellence or extensive extracurricular achievements, the In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship focuses on creating opportunities for motivated young people regardless of GPA, previous work experience, or professional background. Participants become Youth Partners who contribute valuable insights through interviews, surveys, focus groups, and collaborative design projects that help organizations better understand the needs and experiences of young people.

The fellowship also ensures accessibility by providing computers and internet access to participants who may lack reliable technology, making it possible for more students to participate regardless of their economic background.

If you are a high school student looking for a meaningful opportunity to build your resume, gain real-world experience, connect with peers nationwide, and receive financial compensation for your contributions, this fellowship could be an ideal opportunity.

About the In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship

The In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship is a year-round youth engagement initiative that brings together teenagers from across the United States to collaborate with companies, nonprofit organizations, researchers, and design teams.

Rather than simply studying youth experiences, In Tandem places young people directly at the center of research and innovation by giving them opportunities to share their perspectives and influence real-world decision-making.

Throughout the fellowship, Youth Partners participate remotely in structured research and design activities that explore issues affecting teenagers today. Their opinions help organizations improve products, services, educational programs, healthcare initiatives, community projects, and other youth-focused solutions.

The program combines:

• Behavioral science
• User-centered design
• Youth research
• Leadership development
• Peer collaboration
• Professional mentorship

Participants work within a structured environment that values youth voices while teaching practical skills that can benefit them throughout high school, college, and future careers.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The fellowship aims to ensure that young people actively participate in shaping decisions that influence their lives.

Instead of adults making assumptions about teenage experiences, organizations work directly with Youth Partners to understand:

• Youth perspectives
• Everyday challenges
• Behavioral patterns
• Educational experiences
• Technology usage
• Product preferences
• Community needs
• Social issues affecting teenagers

By involving young people throughout the research process, organizations create more inclusive and effective programs while students gain invaluable professional experience.

What Participants Will Do

Throughout the fellowship, Youth Partners participate in various research and design activities designed to improve youth-centered products and services.

These activities include:

• Participating in interviews
• Completing research surveys
• Joining focus group discussions
• Testing ideas and concepts
• Providing user feedback
• Sharing lived experiences
• Contributing to research studies
• Helping improve youth-focused products
• Working alongside professional research teams
• Supporting human-centered design projects

Every activity contributes toward helping organizations understand what young people truly need and value.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants receive a wide range of professional, educational, and personal development opportunities throughout the program.

1. Work on Real-World Projects

Youth Partners collaborate with companies and organizations conducting authentic research projects.

Rather than completing classroom exercises, participants contribute directly to projects that may influence future products and services designed for young people.

2. Develop Research Skills

Participants learn professional research methods including:

• Survey development
• Interview participation
• Focus group engagement
• Data collection
• User feedback techniques
• Human-centered research

These skills are increasingly valuable across numerous academic and career fields.

3. Build Design Thinking Skills

The fellowship introduces participants to design thinking principles that emphasize:

• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Empathy
• Innovation
• User-centered design
• Critical thinking

These competencies are useful in higher education and future employment.

4. Learn Behavioral Science

Students receive an introduction to behavioral science concepts, helping them understand:

• Human behavior
• Decision-making
• User experiences
• Research ethics
• Scientific observation

This exposure provides an excellent foundation for students interested in psychology, sociology, public policy, healthcare, marketing, or research careers.

5. Network with Peers Nationwide

Participants join a community of Youth Partners from across the United States.

Networking opportunities include:

• Virtual events
• Development workshops
• Collaborative activities
• Team discussions
• Peer learning experiences

Students build friendships while expanding their professional networks.

6. Learn from Industry Professionals

The fellowship provides direct engagement with experienced professionals, including:

• Product designers
• Researchers
• Design teams
• Behavioral scientists
• Program leaders

These interactions expose participants to careers they may not have previously considered.

7. Receive Financial Compensation

One of the fellowship’s standout benefits is that participants are compensated through a scholarship for their contributions.

Students are rewarded for the time, effort, and expertise they bring to research activities, making this both a learning opportunity and a paid experience.

8. Technology Support

Recognizing that technology access should never be a barrier, In Tandem provides:

• Computers when needed
• Internet access support for eligible participants

This commitment ensures equal participation opportunities.

Program Structure

The fellowship consists of several interconnected components designed to support participants throughout the year.

Youth Partners

Youth Partners participate in:

• Research projects
• Surveys
• Interviews
• Focus groups
• Virtual networking
• Collaborative learning experiences

Their primary responsibility is sharing authentic youth perspectives that inform organizational decision-making.

Peer Mentors

Experienced Youth Partners may become Peer Mentors.

Peer Mentors:

• Support newer participants
• Facilitate group activities
• Participate in quarterly events
• Share experiences
• Strengthen leadership abilities

This role offers additional leadership development opportunities.

Virtual Summer Orientation

The fellowship begins with a comprehensive virtual summer orientation lasting approximately one week.

During orientation, participants learn:

• Behavioral science fundamentals
• Teen research methods
• User-centered design
• Design thinking
• Scientific method
• Feedback techniques
• Program expectations

Students also meet fellow participants and begin building relationships before engaging in research projects.

Time Commitment

The fellowship operates throughout the year.

Participants engage in research activities and virtual events according to the program schedule.

Specific time commitments are discussed with accepted participants to ensure expectations remain manageable alongside school responsibilities.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

Unlike many competitive youth programs, the In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship emphasizes potential rather than academic credentials.

There are:

• No GPA requirements
• No extracurricular requirements
• No professional experience requirements
• No previous research experience required

Instead, the fellowship seeks students willing to participate, collaborate, learn, and share honest perspectives.

This makes the opportunity significantly more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

Safety and Privacy

In Tandem emphasizes youth safety and participant privacy throughout the fellowship.

The organization has dedicated policies and procedures designed to protect participants while maintaining a safe virtual learning environment.

Parents and students can review the organization’s youth safety and privacy information before participation.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for students who:

• Want their voices to influence real-world decisions
• Enjoy sharing ideas
• Are interested in research
• Want to build leadership skills
• Like collaborating with peers
• Want professional experience before college
• Are curious about behavioral science
• Wish to learn design thinking
• Want to strengthen communication skills
• Want to earn compensation while learning

Application Process

The application process is designed to be straightforward.

Applicants should expect the application to take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Students are encouraged to answer questions thoughtfully and honestly, highlighting their perspectives and interest in contributing to youth-centered research.

APPLY HERE

Application Deadline

Applications close on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Visit HERE for more information about the Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship 2026–2027 in the USA,

Conclusion

The In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship 2026–2027 offers an outstanding opportunity for high school students to participate in meaningful research while developing professional skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Through collaboration with experienced researchers, product designers, and organizations, participants gain valuable experience in behavioral science, design thinking, communication, and leadership. The fellowship’s inclusive application process, remote format, technology support, and scholarship compensation make it accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds. For teenagers eager to influence real-world decisions, expand their professional network, and prepare for future academic and career success, this fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity worth pursuing before the application deadline.

For more global Fellowship opportunities, visit OFY HERE.