Champions for Change

# Champions for Change Champions for Change ("Champs") is the flagship youth leadership program of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute. CNAY states that "each year, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) selects 5-6 inspirational youth (14-24) to serve as Champions for Change: young leaders from across the country with a desire to better their communities." Selection is highly competitive and national in scope, and Champions serve a full calendar-year fellowship term. ## What You'll Do - Serve a one-year fellowship working closely with CNAY staff on your own community project - Attend "a mandatory, in-person weeklong convening ('Champs Week')" in Washington, DC - all expenses paid - Receive advocacy skills training, media training, and public-speaking opportunities - Serve a minimum one-year term on CNAY's Youth Advisory Board - Represent Native youth perspectives at national convenings and in policy conversations ## Who Should Apply Applicants must "self-identify as Native or Indigenous," be between 14 and 24 years old as of January 1 of the fellowship year, and currently reside in the United States. The application asks for responses to short essay questions plus "two letters of recommendation - one from a peer and one from a professional (25+)." High school students apply directly; no tribal or school nomination is required. ## Outcomes Champions receive a stipend, a funded week in Washington, DC, and a year of national advocacy and speaking experience - plus a continuing seat on CNAY's Youth Advisory Board and a durable connection to a national Native youth leadership network.