Applications Open for the 2027 cohort Champions for Change Native youth leadership program United States of America, The Champions for Change (Champs) Program is a Native youth leadership initiative of the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) focused on highlighting positive stories of impact from Indian Country and developing the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
Inspired by a 2011 White House initiative, the programme provides young Native leaders with experience-based learning, advocacy training, leadership development and opportunities to amplify their voices on issues affecting their communities.
Each year, CNAY selects 5–6 inspirational youth between the ages of 14 and 24 from across the United States to serve as Champions for Change. Young people may be creating positive change through schools, community programmes, reservations or urban communities.
Importantly, all applicants become part of the CNAY network regardless of whether they are selected as Champions, giving applicants an opportunity to engage with the wider CNAY community.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 5th October 2026
Narrative Change Applications Open for the 2027 cohort Champions for Change Native youth leadership program United States of America
Champions for Change play an important role in shaping the narrative around Native communities by sharing their experiences and perspectives through strategic media partnerships at the tribal, local, state and national levels.
During their term and beyond, Champions are positioned as experts and emerging voices in their respective fields. Previous Champions have participated in live television and radio interviews, been featured by leading media outlets and represented their communities in national and global conversations.
What Is the Role of a Champion? Applications Open for the 2027 cohort Champions for Change Native youth leadership program United States of America
Champions enter into a yearlong working relationship with CNAY, beginning in the spring with a series of recognition events in Washington, DC, known as Champs Week.
Champs Week provides national recognition and an initial platform for selected youth to share their leadership stories. Champions also gain access to resources designed to strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills.
Throughout their year-long term, Champions receive ongoing support and resources through CNAY’s network, along with opportunities to represent themselves and CNAY at various events and public engagements.
Champions also serve for a minimum one-year term on CNAY’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and have opportunities to contribute to the national dialogue surrounding critical issues affecting Native communities.
Community-Based Programs
To expand the reach of its proven youth leadership model and encourage locally driven transformation, CNAY established the Champions for Change Community-Based Programs.
These programmes are modelled on the national fellowship and provide young Native leaders with hands-on training in:
- Advocacy
- Community organising
- Communications
- Leadership development
Participants also develop community action projects focused on creating positive change in their own communities.
Current community-based programmes include:
Calm Before the Storm – North Dakota
Growing into Wowachinyepi – South Dakota
Through both the national Champions for Change programme and its community-based initiatives, CNAY provides young Indigenous leaders with platforms, skills, networks and opportunities to turn their ideas into meaningful community impact.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Champions for Change (Champs) Program is more than a recognition opportunity—it is a leadership development platform for young Indigenous people who are already creating positive change in their communities.
The programme gives selected youth access to advocacy training, experience-based learning, national visibility, mentorship and a powerful network of peers and organisations. Champions also receive opportunities to share their stories through media and participate in conversations on issues affecting Native communities.
Another important benefit is the opportunity to serve on CNAY’s Youth Advisory Board, giving young leaders a direct platform to contribute to broader national discussions.
Even applicants who are not selected become part of the CNAY network, allowing them to connect with a wider community of young leaders and supporters.
For young people who are passionate about community development, Indigenous rights, education, health, the environment, culture or other issues affecting Native communities, the programme can help turn existing community work into a stronger leadership platform.
Tips for a Strong Application
1. Tell your personal story
Don’t simply describe what you have done. Explain why the issue matters to you and how your experiences shaped your decision to take action.
2. Show real community impact
Strong applications should demonstrate action rather than just ideas. Explain what you have changed, who benefited and what results you have achieved.
3. Be specific about your leadership
Describe your actual role. Instead of saying that you “helped the community,” explain whether you organised an initiative, led a campaign, created a programme, brought people together or advocated for a particular change.
4. Highlight your connection to your community
The programme looks for young leaders working to create positive change in their communities. Clearly explain the community you serve and why the work is meaningful there.
5. Demonstrate your potential to grow
You don’t need to have solved a major national problem. Show that you are curious, committed and ready to develop your leadership and advocacy skills.
6. Explain the change you want to create
Be clear about the issue you care about and what you hope to accomplish next. A compelling application connects your past work with your future vision.
7. Let your voice come through
Avoid making the application sound like a formal résumé. Champions are expected to help shape the narrative about Native communities, so an authentic, confident and personal voice can make the application much stronger.
How to apply?
Interested in bringing Champions for Change to your community? Contact Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
FAQs – Champions for Change
1. Who is eligible for the Champions for Change Program?
The programme is designed for young Indigenous leaders aged 14–24 from across the United States who are working to create positive change in their communities.
2. How many young people are selected each year?
The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) selects approximately 5–6 young people each year to serve as Champions for Change.
3. What do Champions receive from the programme?
Champions participate in a yearlong relationship with CNAY that includes recognition opportunities, advocacy and leadership development, networking, resources, media opportunities and opportunities to represent themselves and CNAY at various events.
4. Do applicants who are not selected receive any benefit?
Yes. All applicants, regardless of whether they are selected, become part of the CNAY network and can engage with the broader CNAY community.
5. Do Champions have responsibilities beyond the programme?
Yes. Champions serve a minimum one-year term on CNAY’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and may participate in national conversations and activities concerning important issues affecting Native communities.
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