# Champions for Change

Yearlong, stipended Native youth leadership fellowship: CNAY selects five or six Champions ages 14-24 nationally for advocacy training, an all-expenses-paid week in Washington, DC, and a seat on its Youth Advisory Board.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Hybrid (in person + online) |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Apply | https://www.cnay.org/champions-for-change/ |

## About this program

# 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Champions for Change cost?

Champions for Change is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Champions for Change?

Champions for Change is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Champions for Change online or in person?

Champions for Change is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components (in-person portions in Washington, DC).

### How do I apply to Champions for Change?

Apply directly through Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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