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The Youth Justice Leadership Program (YJLP) is a 7-month civic engagement program for students in grades 9–12. It is an action-driven experience where young people build advocacy skills, learn from leaders with lived experience, and work together to select and advance a collective issue campaign. The program centers youth voice, critical thinking, and hands-on action, preparing the next generation of leaders to influence systems, challenge injustice, and create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Through the program, students move through a learning journey that builds toward collective action:
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Choose an Issue Together: Students review and vote on a shared community issue to focus their work.
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Understand the Root Causes: Explore the history, policies, and systems behind today’s inequities.
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Center Lived Experience: Learn from the voices and stories of those most impacted.
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Analyze Power & Systems: Examine how institutions, money, and policy shape outcomes.
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Build Skills for Change: Strengthen public speaking, storytelling, advocacy, and civic engagement.
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Lead a Real Campaign: Design and implement a youth-led advocacy campaign from start to finish.
Through interactive sessions and collaborative learning, students build critical thinking skills, civic awareness, and the confidence to lead change on issues that matter to them.
The program meets twice monthly from October 2026 through May 2027, with virtual sessions held on Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00 PM. Students are expected to actively participate with cameras on during sessions. The program culminates in an in-person Youth Leadership Showcase and Awards Ceremony at the Women’s Diversity Network Annual Summit in May 2027 in Garden City, NY. Travel stipends may be available for out-of-state students. If you are unable to meet these participation requirements, we kindly ask that you refrain from applying at this time.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Youth Justice Leadership Program (YJLP) develops youth leaders who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to understand systems of inequity and lead collective, community-based advocacy and organizing efforts that create meaningful change.
GOAL ONE: Build civic understanding and systems thinking by helping youth analyze issues of inequity, power, and policy in their communities.
GOAL TWO: Develop confident leaders and communicators with strong skills in public speaking, collaboration, and advocacy.
GOAL THREE: Turn learning into action as youth design and lead a collective advocacy campaign engaging real community stakeholders and decision-makers.
GOAL FOUR: Strengthen long-term civic engagement by preparing youth to continue organizing, leading, and participating in community and policy spaces beyond the program.
BENEFITS
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Earn up to 30+ community service hours
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Connect with and build relationships with other youth leaders
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Program is attractive to colleges/universities
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Small, highly interactive cohort (limited to 25 students) for personalized support and collaboration
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Develop practical skills in leadership, teamwork, and organizing that can be used in school, your community, and future careers
FACILITATORS
The program is led by NYS-certified educators, nonprofit professionals, and social justice organizers. Students also learn directly from community leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived experience of injustice. Together, they provide real-world knowledge and leadership training not typically found in traditional classrooms. Click here to meet our facilitators.
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