Deadline:
As soon as possible
Location(s)
Online United States of America
An in-person component of the academy will take place in Washington, D.C. in July 2025
Overview
Plan International’s Youth Leadership Academy gives you the tools you need to create the change you want.
Plan believes that young people are today’s leaders. So, we work together to build a better world, and we won’t stop until we are all equal. Our Youth Leadership Academy is a yearlong program focused on providing global leadership and advocacy tools to young activists through training and mentorship.
We will not be accepting any applications for the 2024 YLA. The YLA will return in 2025.
Details
What is the Youth Leadership Academy?
Plan USA’s Youth Leadership Academy is a yearlong leadership program dedicated to training, supporting and mentoring young activists as they create change in their communities through projects connected to the U.N. sustainable development goals.
When is the YLA?
The next YLA runs from June 2025 to June 2026, beginning with remote sessions in June in preparation for the four-day residential academy in Washington, D.C. in late July. After the residential academy, YLA members will meet online monthly with Plan staff and Youth Advisory Board members to develop and implement their projects. Throughout the year, members of the YLA may participate in Plan-sponsored events such as International Day of the Girl Takeovers, webinars, campaigns and activations, just to name a few!
At the YLA, we’ll help you:
- Develop your personal leadership style.
- Unpack and understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Learn from youth experts how to advocate for social issues and for yourself.
- Gain expertise in designing and implementing projects.
- Make lifelong friends with like-minded participants and members of the international development community.
- Receive a Plan swag bag in the mail with a T-shirt, supplies to get you through the Academy and gifts from our sponsor The Body Shop!
After the YLA, you will become part of Plan’s national network of youth leaders, media influencers and international development experts, all of whom are committed to social impact. During the 2020/21 academic year, you will implement a Leadership Development Project (LDP) in your community relating to an SDG of your choice, with the help of a Plan mentor. This is the perfect opportunity to expand your skills while preparing for college and beyond. Your LDP can also be used for high school junior and senior capstone projects or service-learning credit!
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Plan International USA (Plan) is looking for young change-makers who want to learn more about global issues and civic engagement.
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Cost/funding for participants
How much does the YLA cost?
The 2025-2026 YLA tuition is $500 for the entire year. This cost includes housing and meals during the Washington, D.C. residential academy, as well as general membership and programming for the entire year. Need-based financial aid is available as well as travel stipends, and those who apply for financial assistance are very likely to receive funding. The YLA application includes a section in which you can apply for financial aid.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
