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