John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship Program

ABOUT THE PROGAM:

The John Lewis Young Leaders program is a year-long fellowship that prepares college students for a future in community organizing and civic engagement. Throughout the academic year, fellows engage their campus and local communities in human rights work through a robust capstone project.

PROGRAM BENEFITS:
• $2,000 professional stipend (paid in two installments, $1,000 per semester)
• $1,000 in funding for events and activities related to the completion of your capstone project

• Agency to focus on elevating social issues that motivate and inspire YOU
• Access to content-rich resources from our expert community of organizers and activists
• Paid-for retreat in the summer of 2025

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Attend the 3-day JLYL retreat where you’ll participate in organizing workshops
• Meet with RFK Human Rights staff monthly for 1-on-1 coaching
• Attend all monthly cohort meetings held on the 2nd Monday of each month
• Complete a capstone presentation with an overview of your capstone project at the conclusion of the fellowship

PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO:
• Students attending an HBCU, HSI, HMSI
• Students located in the southern and midwestern part of the United States
• Students from marginalized communities
If you do not fit into these preferences, please still apply!

To learn more about the program, visit our website