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Energized and Unstoppable: Meet the Young Visionaries in Civic Engagement

In a compelling move toward community empowerment, the Institute for Citizens and Scholars has recently unveiled the inaugural cohort of the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship. This initiative recognizes 500 young leaders from across the nation who are not just dreaming of change but are actively engaged in making their communities better through innovative approaches and resilience.

With a significant grant of $2,050,000 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this initiative endeavors to support these young visionaries by providing them with essential funding, mentorship, and access to an extensive network of civic leaders. The program aims to ignite their potential, allowing them to enact meaningful local projects that resonate deeply within their communities.

The fellows, aged between 14 and 24, were selected from a diverse and competitive pool of applicants based on their exemplary vision and commitment to collaborative change. Each team will receive financial grants of up to $7,500, in addition to mentorship that enables them to bring their ambitious visions to life. Instead of merely offering funding, the Carnegie Young Leaders program embodies a philosophy that places real authority and responsibility in the hands of these young fellows, empowering them to identify and address what truly matters in their communities.

Audra Watson, Chief of Youth Civic Programs at the Institute for Citizens and Scholars, articulated a vital truth about effective leadership saying, "It's defined not by age but by creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to move communities forward." The cohort comprises innovators, entrepreneurs, and activists who are transforming their ideas into concrete actions that can impact their neighborhoods and beyond.

Among the array of initiatives these young leaders are undertaking, the projects represent a broad spectrum of critical issues vital to enhancing democracy, including:

• - Voting Access: Teams are focusing on ensuring that underrepresented communities can easily exercise their voting rights.
• - Civic Education: Efforts are being made to raise awareness about civic responsibilities and rights, enhancing public understanding of democratic processes.
• - Mental Health: Projects are addressing the pressing need for mental wellness support and community belonging, especially among youth.
• - Environmental Protection: Young environmentalists are innovating sustainable practices to combat climate change and advocate for eco-friendly behaviors.
• - Food Security: Initiatives are being launched to reduce food insecurity, bringing fresh produce to communities in need.

A glimpse into some specific projects includes:

1. VRing Democracy (San Francisco, CA): Utilizing virtual reality to create immersive experiences that make voting accessible for immigrant communities through multilingual interfaces.
2. BioGlitter (Anchorage, AK): Aiming to eliminate plastic waste, Girl Scouts are introducing biodegradable glitter options in various educational settings.
3. Healthy Salad Meals (Goleta, CA): High school students are growing salad greens on their campus using solar-powered hydroponics, aiming to address food insecurity locally.
4. We Build Us (Wylam, AL): Teenagers are turning vacant lots into lively community gardens, thus combating food deserts and promoting local nourishment.
5. Youth Caregiver Action Network (Detroit, MI): This initiative focuses on providing mental health resources and support networks for young caregivers.
6. Cypress Disaster Recovery (Cypress, TX): A project designed to create long-term support systems for families affected by disasters.
7. NACER (Tacoma, WA): Offering workshops on AI and media literacy, this project aims to enhance critical thinking amongst youth regarding digital content.
8. Dear Stranger NYC (New York, NY): Addressing the youth mental health crisis by establishing supportive environments for self-expression and connection.

The projects of these young visionaries are not solely about gaining accolades; they embody a genuine commitment to fostering real change within their communities. They reflect a profound understanding of pressing societal issues while remaining focused on tangible solutions. These youth innovators represent an inspiring generation stepping up to tackle our world’s challenges head-on, ensuring that democracy is not only preserved but thrives through engaged citizenship.

To explore the full list of 2025 recipients and their impactful projects, visit Institute for Citizens and Scholars.

About the Institute for Citizens and Scholars

The Institute is dedicated to nurturing the skills, ideas, and networks necessary for young people to become effective lifelong citizens. By bridging divides and fostering collaboration among diverse groups, they aim to construct strategies that reinforce civic responsibility and engagement among Americans everywhere.

About Carnegie Corporation of New York

Established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911, the Carnegie Corporation works to promote the advancement of knowledge and understanding. Its mission emphasizes reducing political polarization through philanthropic initiatives that prioritize education, democracy, and peace.