John Lewis Young Leaders Program 2026-2027

📖 About the Program

The John Lewis Young Leaders (JLYL) Program is a year-long fellowship designed to prepare college students for a future in community organizing and civic engagement. Throughout the program, fellows engage their campus and local communities in human rights work through a robust capstone project.

🎁 Benefits

Participants in the program will receive the following benefits:

• $2,000 professional stipend (paid in two installments of $1,000 each over the fall and spring semesters)
• $1,000 funding for events and activities related to the completion of the capstone project
• A paid-for retreat in the summer of 2026
• The opportunity to focus on elevating social issues that motivate and inspire you
• Access to content-rich resources from expert community organizers and activists

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be an undergraduate student
• Be enrolled in a 2- or 4-year accredited program
• Be enrolled in a university located in the United States
• Be graduating on or after May 2027

📝 Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the program:

1. Register
   Click on the "Register" link and complete the registration form.

2. Login
   Use your email and password to log in to the application portal.

3. Create
   Begin creating your online application.

4. Save
   During the application period, you can save your application as a draft until all required information is completed and attachments are uploaded. Once a section is complete, a checkmark will appear in the category tab. You can download and print your application at any time.

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the program is 01 March, 2026.

🌐 Application Portal

For more details and to apply, visit the RFK Human Rights UK John Lewis Young Leaders Program website.

• $2,000 professional stipend (paid in two $1,000 installments over the fall and spring semesters)
• $1,000 in funding for events and activities related to the completion of your capstone project
• Paid-for retreat in the summer of 2026
• Agency to focus on elevating social issues that motivate and inspire YOU
• Access to content-rich resources from expert community organizers and activists