YVOTE PROGRAMS
Build Your Civic Leadership Journey
Every young person enters YVote at a different point. Our programs meet high school students where they are and help them move from civic curiosity to knowledge, action, and leadership.
YVote’s core programs are free and cohort-based, and many include stipends or pathways into paid leadership roles.
YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
From Learning to Leading
Changemakers Institute
Investigate community issues, analyze systems, and develop informed solutions.
ExploreCivic Fellowship
Engage different perspectives and collaborate with young people across communities.
PracticeFacilitator Training Program
Prepare to step into paid leadership roles supporting programs and leading peers.
LeadConnected Across the Pipeline
Media Labs gives young people opportunities to inform and influence others through podcasts, articles, social media, civic explainers, and other youth-created content. It operates across the leadership pipeline rather than as a separate sequential stage.
Democracy Camp
Democracy Camp is the typical entry point into YVote’s structured programs. Participants explore government, systems of power, community issues, and ways to take action.
Best For
New York City high school students, especially first-time civic participants.
When
Summer — six weeks
Format
In-person, cohort-based, and youth-led
Compensation
Paid summer program through DYCD/SYEP
Changemakers Institute
An advanced civic leadership and problem-solving experience where young people research community issues, identify decision-makers, and develop tangible solutions.
Best For
Returning participants or young people with prior civic-engagement experience.
When
Fall and spring
Format
Cohort-based and issue-focused
Compensation
Stipended program
Civic Fellowship
A virtual, cross-regional experience where young people engage different perspectives, learn from civic leaders, and collaborate with peers around shared issues.
Best For
Young people interested in civic dialogue and cross-community collaboration.
When
Fall and spring cohorts
Format
Virtual and cohort-based
Compensation
Any stipend or compensation will be identified in the current application.
Facilitator Training Program
A highly selective leadership experience that prepares returning participants to facilitate discussions, lead group dynamics, support peers, and take on real responsibility.
Best For
Applicants who have completed Democracy Camp or Changemakers Institute.
When
June and October, with seasonal refreshers
Format
Selective training, practice, and readiness assessment
Compensation
Typically paid; current compensation details will be included in the application.
Media Labs
A highly selective opportunity for young people to create civic media that informs, engages, and influences others through writing, podcasts, social media, video, journalism, and digital storytelling.
Best For
Young people with demonstrated media or content-production skills.
When
Year-round; opportunities and project schedules vary
Format
Project-based and collaborative
Compensation
Typically paid; compensation varies by role and project.
WHERE SHOULD I START?
Find the Program That Fits Your Next Step
I Am New to Civic Engagement
Start with Democracy Camp to build foundational civic knowledge and explore how you want to create change.
Learn MoreI Am Ready to Investigate an Issue
Explore Changemakers Institute to research a community challenge, analyze systems and decision-makers, and develop solutions.
Learn MoreI Want to Connect Across Communities
Consider the Civic Fellowship to engage different perspectives and collaborate with young people from other communities.
Learn MoreI Have Completed Democracy Camp or Changemakers and Am Ready to Lead
Apply for the highly selective Facilitator Training Program to prepare for peer leadership and paid facilitation opportunities.
Learn MoreI Already Have Strong Media or Content Skills
Apply for Media Labs to use writing, journalism, podcasting, social media, video editing, or content-production skills to create youth-led civic media.
Learn MorePROGRAM ACCESS
Designed to Remove Barriers
Free Participation
YVote’s core youth programs are offered at no cost to participants.
Stipends and Paid Opportunities
Many programs include stipends or paid opportunities. Compensation, eligibility, and payment structures vary by program, cohort, and available funding.
Intentional Recruitment
YVote prioritizes outreach in historically under-resourced communities, including New York City’s TRIE neighborhoods.
Selective Leadership Opportunities
Facilitator Training and Media Labs are highly selective and have specific experience or skill requirements. Current applications will identify each cohort’s schedule, eligibility requirements, selection process, and compensation.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start with Democracy Camp, deepen your civic work through Changemakers Institute or Civic Fellowship, or apply your existing experience through Facilitator Training and Media Labs.
Your civic leadership journey can begin here.