Join the Youth Leadership Academy
YLA program details
Dates of next program
The Youth Leadership Academy is a year-long leadership and advocacy program that begins each summer. Applications open annually. Please check back in early 2027 for updates on applying to join the next cohort of fellows.
Eligibility
To participate in the YLA, you must be between the ages of 13 and 17 and based in the U.S. We value diversity and inclusion and believe it makes our organization stronger. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and abilities to apply and contribute their voice and experience.
What will I learn?
The YLA is designed to equip you with tools to become an effective changemaker in your community. You will build and strengthen skills in advocacy, such as project development, relationship-building, public speaking and more.
We will guide you through the process of creating your own solution-based leadership project oriented around gender equity to advance change in your local community over the next year. These are fundamental tools that you can carry with you throughout your future change-making, advocacy and professional careers!
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about the Youth Leadership Academy.
Do I need previous experience in activism to become a fellow at the Youth Leadership Academy?
No! As long as you have an interest in making change in your community and are passionate about social justice, you are welcome to apply. Through participating in the YLA, you will develop leadership and advocacy skills.
We will evaluate your application on the overall fit and commitment to program activities, including the residential intensive in Washington, D.C., monthly workshops and virtual check-ins regarding your leadership project.
Who leads the sessions and workshops for the YLA?
What will I do at the residential academy in Washington, D.C.?
During the five-day residential academy, you will attend workshops and interactive sessions to learn about global gender equity issues from experts and activists. You will also attend sessions to develop your Leadership Project. By the end of the week, you will have developed your Leadership Project ideas, delivering project pitches on the last day.
You will also get to spend a day sightseeing and participating in team-building activities with other YLA fellows while in the city!
What is the leadership project?
The leadership project is a youth-led locally focused project that tackles an issue that you care about. Past YLA fellows have implemented projects related to period poverty, refugee rights and minority students in politics.
Following the week-long intensive in Washington, D.C., you will meet throughout the year with an assigned mentor, attend skill-building webinars, access seed funding to launch your project and have opportunities to connect and engage with Planās global youth network and partners.
What is the cost to participate in the YLA?
There is a program fee of $1,000, which funds in-person and virtual program costs for the duration of the year. This includes housing, food, supplies and transportation during the residential intensive but excludes transportation to and from Washington, D.C.
Need-based financial aid is available. Anyone can apply for partial or full financial aid in the YLA application. Applying for financial aid will not impact acceptance decisions upon application review.
Interested in joining?
Please check back for next recruitment seasons or email yab@planusa.org for more information.