The Gem Project Fellowship Application 2026-2027

The Gem Project Fellowship Application 2026-2027
Welcome. We are glad you are here.

The Gem Project invests in young people as agents of change in their own communities. Our Fellows take on the issues that matter most where they live, build real organizing and leadership skills, and move from talking about change to acting on it. We offer two fellowship tracks this year. Read both, then choose the one you are applying for.

Cohort 1: The Organizing Fellowship
Build the skills to organize, lead, and move people toward change alongside a cohort of fellow Newark organizers. You learn how power works, how campaigns are built, and how young people shape the decisions that affect their lives, and you put it into practice together.
- Who it is for: young people ages 16 to 24 in Newark and the surrounding area.
- When it meets: Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM online and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in person on the Rutgers University Newark campus in the Central Ward. The fall term runs October 13 through December 10, 2026, and the fellowship continues into the spring.
- What you receive: a $500 stipend at the end of the fall term and a $500 stipend at the end of the spring term. We also support transportation for in-person programming.
- How to apply: submit your application by the priority deadline of September 29, 2026. We review applications as they come in and continue accepting them on a rolling basis until every seat is filled, so applying early is to your advantage.
Cohort 2: Youth Power Action Ambassadors
Design and lead your own project to change something you care about in your community. You bring the idea. We bring the funding, the training, and a coach in your corner to help you carry it out.
- Who it is for: young people ages 14 to 24, anywhere in the country.
- How it works: you complete online trainings and modules at your own pace, meet regularly with a coach who supports your progress, and put your project into action over the course of the program. This track launches in February 2027.
- What you receive: a $500 Ambassador stipend, plus up to $500 in project funding to bring your idea to life.
- How to apply: submit your application by December 8, 2026.
Before you begin
Please complete all required sections. Choose your track, answer the application questions (NO less then 6 sentences) , and upload any supporting files. You are welcome to type your answers, share a document, or submit a written, audio, or video response. If you have questions at any point, reach us at hq@thegemproject.org.
Program Timeline

Cohort 1: October 13 – December 8, then continues in the Spring — meets twice a week, Tuesdays 4–6pm virtually and Thursdays 4–6pm in person in Newark. Cohort 2: Launches February 2027, Self-paced with coaching touch points.
Applicant Information
Full Name

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Pronouns
Race / Ethnicity
Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Email Address
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Current School Full Name
Grade Level
GPA
GPA is not used to pre-screen. It is used to track progress and evaluate our programs. If admitted, you will be asked to submit records at various points so we can see how to support you. If you do not have a current GPA, give your most recent one.
Will you be under 18 on the first day of the program?
Parent or Guardian Information (conditional)
Parent or Guardian Full Name

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Parent or Guardian Email
example@example.com
Parent or Guardian Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Parent or Guardian Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
AI tools may only be used for grammar and spell checking.

All answers should be written in your own words.
In your own words, what is the work of The Gem Project, and what do you understand it to be about?
No less then 6 sentences.
Which fellowship are you applying for?
Cohort 1 Application
A Moment of Change: Share one specific moment when you took initiative to create change, big or small, in your family, school, or community. What happened, and how did it shape you?
No less then 6 sentences. You may type your answer here, paste a link to a Google Doc, or upload a written, audio, or video response in the Supporting Files section at the end of this form. If you upload or link your answer, write "See attached" in this box.
Personal Growth: What is one skill, quality, or mindset you are still working on strengthening? Why is this important for your growth as a changemaker?
No less than 6 sentences. You may type your answer here, paste a link to a Google Doc, or upload a written, audio, or video response in the Supporting Files section at the end of this form. If you upload or link your answer, write "See attached" in this box.
Community Conversation: If you could gather young people across Newark for a conversation on change, what topic would you start with, and why?
No less than 6 sentences. You may type your answer here, paste a link to a Google Doc, or upload a written, audio, or video response in the Supporting Files section at the end of this form. If you upload or link your answer, write "See attached" in this box.
I confirm that I have reviewed my responses and verified that each contains no fewer than six sentences.
Can you commit to programming on Tuesdays (virtual) AND Thursdays (in person) near Rutgers University Newark in downtown Newark, NJ 07102, Central Ward?
If needed, please explain any schedule conflicts
Think about commitments like school clubs, sports, other internships or jobs, and responsibilities at home. Please be specific and include which days and times these activities may overlap with our schedule.
Will you need bus ticket support for transportation to in-person programming near and within the Rutgers University Newark campus in downtown Newark, NJ 07102, Central Ward?
This Fellowship requires a volunteer component: attending at least 3 public meeting events (e.g., school board meetings or city council meetings) and community service. Are you able to commit to this requirement?
If needed, please explain any schedule conflicts
Think about commitments like school clubs, sports, other internships or jobs, and responsibilities at home. Please be specific and include which days and times these activities may overlap with our schedule.
Cohort 2 Application
City and State
A Moment of Change: Share one specific moment when you took initiative to create change, big or small, in your family, school, or community. What happened, and how did it shape you?
No less than 6 sentences. You may type your answer here, paste a link to a Google Doc, or upload a written, audio, or video response in the Supporting Files section at the end of this form. If you upload or link your answer, write "See attached" in this box.
Personal Growth: What is one skill, quality, or mindset you are still working on strengthening? Why is this important for your growth as a changemaker?
No less than 6 sentences. You may type your answer here, paste a link to a Google Doc, or upload a written, audio, or video response in the Supporting Files section at the end of this form. If you upload or link your answer, write "See attached" in this box.
Your Project: What is one problem in your community you want to work on, and what would you do about it?
No less than 6 sentences. Describe the problem and your idea for addressing it. You may type your answer here, paste a link to a Google Doc, or upload a written, audio, or video response in the Supporting Files section at the end of this form.
Who would your project help, and how?
No less than 6 sentences. Describe who the project will help and how. You may type your answer here, paste a link to a Google Doc, or upload a written, audio, or video response in the Supporting Files section at the end of this form.
I confirm that I have reviewed my responses and verified that each contains no fewer than six sentences.
Funding Estimate: Estimate how you would use your project funding. You may request up to $500, and you do not have to use the full amount. Give us a rough breakdown of what you would spend it on.
For example: supplies, $150. Printing and flyers, $75. Food for two community meetings, $100. Estimates are fine. We are looking at how you think about your project, not exact numbers.
Commitment to check-ins and training: This track includes regular check-ins with your assigned coach and required online trainings and modules. Can you commit to that?
Supporting and Referral Information

Upload any supporting material here, including written, audio, or video responses to the questions above. Maximum 10 MB per file. If your file is larger, paste a Google Drive or Google Doc link in the comments box below.
Supporting files

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How did you hear about The Gem Project?

Other
If someone referred you, who was it?
Questions or comments
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The Gem Project Fellowship Application 2026-2027

Program Timeline

Applicant Information

Parent or Guardian Information (conditional)

AI tools may only be used for grammar and spell checking.

Cohort 1 Application

Cohort 2 Application

Supporting and Referral Information