Teenagers and young adults ages 14 to 24 have a limited window to apply for a national program designed to help them turn ideas for community change into action.
The Carnegie Young Leaders program supports young people who are already working to improve their communities — or who have an idea and need help getting started — by providing funding, coaching and a network of peers across the country.
Projects don’t have to start big.
One example: a young leader in Maryland brought together 50 students and 50 seniors from two retirement homes to build friendships across generations — simple activities like games, walks and conversations that helped reduce loneliness and strengthen community connections.
Another project is focused on increasing civic participation among young voters. The effort includes workshops on elections, voter registration events and creating safe spaces for open, productive conversations about democracy — all aimed at reaching young adults who are often the least likely to vote.
Other projects focus on issues like public health, misinformation, hunger and civic engagement — often led by small teams of friends working together to tackle problems they see every day in their own communities.
Participants apply and work in teams of five, building projects rooted in their own lived experiences — whether that’s something happening in their school, neighborhood or online.
The program is open to both new and experienced changemakers and is especially interested in ideas that bring people together across differences and turn conversation into action.
Selected teams receive a $7,500 stipend, along with one-on-one coaching, hands-on training and connections with other young leaders from across the country.
Projects are expected to make a measurable impact, reaching at least 75 people in person or 300 online.
The priority deadline to apply is March 30, meaning applications submitted by then receive early review and have a stronger chance of being considered before spots fill. The final deadline is later in the spring.
The program is expected to begin June 1, 2026, and will run for about a year.