Back to News

Want to Be A Youth Leader for Change? Apply Here!

Published 

Want to become a Youth Leader for Change?

Apply Now!

Download the WomenNC Youth Leaders for Change Program Application

Download the Youth Leaders for Change Parental Permission Form

Application Deadline: August 20, 2025

Currently accepting applications from all high school students in Wake, Durham, and Orange Counties.

If you have any questions, concerns, or issues accessing this application, please email info@womennc.org.

Completed applications can be sent to info@womennc.org.

About the Program:

WomenNC is launching a bold new initiative to cultivate the next generation of community leaders through the Youth Leaders for Change Training Program, a nine-month, hands-on experience for high school juniors and seniors in Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. Designed to close the opportunity gap in civic leadership, the program empowers young people—particularly girls and gender-diverse youth—with the skills, confidence, and mentorship they need to become changemakers in their communities.

Through workshops, mentorship, and participation in WomenNC’s operational committees, students will explore advocacy, public speaking, financial empowerment, and nonprofit leadership. They’ll also take part in WomenNC’s signature events—the October Kickoff Gala and Local to Global Forum—gaining firsthand experience in public dialogue, coalition-building, and civic action.

Participants will work alongside college students from Duke, NC State, and NCCU, while receiving guidance from mentors at the Durham and Chapel Hill NOW chapters, and board members from Pro-Choice NC, the ERA-NC Alliance, and other local advocacy organizations. This multi-generational mentorship enriches their leadership development and expands their networks.

Two outstanding students will be selected to attend a fully funded national Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. To ensure equity, preference will be given to students with strong interest and leadership potential who may lack financial means. This initiative is a strategic investment in youth leadership across the Triangle and North Carolina, building a long-term pipeline of empowered, justice-oriented leaders prepared to create lasting social change.

Core Program Components 

Students will build confidence and gain real-world experience through workshops and mentorship in: 

           ● Public Speaking and Networking

           ● Advocacy and Civic Engagement 

           ● Financial Literacy and Empowerment 

            ● Leadership in Action 

            ● Using Technology for Advocacy 

            ● Wellness and Boundaries for Young Activists 

            ● Equal Rights for Women and Girls: the ERA and CEDAW 

           ● What is CSW: The Global Platform for Gender Equality 

            ● Voting 101: How Your Vote is Counted and Why it Matters

Each student will also serve as an active member of one of WomenNC’s working committees:

           ● Fund Development 

           ● Social Media and Communications 

           ● Events and Programming 

           ● Community Outreach and Marketing 

This hands-on involvement allows students to apply their skills to meaningful projects while receiving guidance from experienced professionals and community leaders. 

Recognition and Opportunity 

          ● In December, all participants will complete a formal evaluation. 

          ● Two outstanding students will be selected to attend a national Youth Leadership Conference in Washington,               D.C. 

                    ○ Travel and accommodations are fully funded by WomenNC. 

                    ○ Selected students will engage with national leaders, youth advocates, and changemakers from across                        the country. 

Program Timeline 

Application Opens July 30 

Application Deadline August 20 

Selection and Notification August 25 

Orientation August 28 

Program Start Date September 1 

Program Completion June

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants must: 

        ● Be a current high school junior or senior 

        ● Attend school in Orange, Durham, or Wake County 

        ● Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 

        ● Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service 

         ● Be available to fully participate from September through June, including mandatory attendance at the October              Kickoff Event (October 23, 2025) and the February Local to Global Forum 

Why Join? 

      ● Build lifelong leadership and advocacy skills 

      ● Make a real impact in your community 

      ● Join a dynamic network of youth leaders 

      ● Be on the path to becoming a WomenNC College Scholar

Event Details

When?

Where?

Register Now

Subscribe to our Newsletter to learn more!

Join our community of activists and stay in the loop on all WomenNC events and updates.