• Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison Application (Apply by November 16th, 11:59pm PT)

    Thank you for your interest in applying for the Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison program! Please complete and submit this form by November 16th for consideration. 

  • The Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison Program (OYCL) is a three-month paid fellowship that equips U.S. youth ages 16 to 26 with the skills and tools they need to directly advocate to lawmakers. The program was designed with and for Opportunity Youth (16- to 24-year-olds who are not connected to school or the workforce) in order to level up their advocacy skills and connect them to others working for more equitable access to opportunity. 

     

    Participants will join virtual trainings (at least twice a month), participate in short assignments, check-ins, and share their experiences with each other as they learn to be advocates for themselves and their communities, speaking up on behalf of Opportunity Youth to hold politicians accountable to the communities they serve.

  • Qualifying Questions

  • Are you currently residing in the United States? This program is currently for those who live in the United States. *

  • We appreciate your interest in the OYCL Program. We are currently seeking applicants who will be residing in the US during the program window. At this time, we are unable to accept your application. To learn more about future opportunities, please sign up for the Forum’s monthly newsletter.

  • This program will include 8 REQUIRED online VIRTUAL trainings and assignments. We anticipate that these trainings will be held on Wednesdays from 6–8 pm ET, at least twice a month from January through April 2027. Are you able to commit to these trainings?*
  • This Fellowship is open to current and former Opportunity Youth: young people ages 16 to 24 not connected to school or the workforce for a 6-month period.*

  • We appreciate your interest in the OYCL Program. We are currently limited to applicants who are currently or have previously experienced disconnection from school or work between the ages of 16 and 24 years old. At this time, we are unable to accept your application. To learn more about future opportunities, please sign up for the Forum’s monthly newsletter.

    Below is a list of other programs in our network currently accepting non-Opportunity Youth:

    Reconnecting Youth Campaign:

    • The Reconnecting Youth Campaign: Unleashing Limitless Potential calls on Congress to invest in America’s future by funding education, training, national service and employment opportunities for one million 16- to 24-year- olds who are not in school or work. Contact Meredith Hills at Meredith@forumfyi.org for more information.

    Young Invincibles: Young Advocates Program - Young Invincibles

    • The Young Advocates program is a paid leadership program developed by Young Invincibles. Young Advocates work with our regional offices in Texas, California, Colorado, New York, and Illinois to strengthen the voices of young people across our issue areas. This includes overseeing on-the-ground community engagement, such as planning state and local events to educate and facilitate discussions on pressing issues affecting our generation. The program is a great opportunity for young adults ages 18 to 34 to develop skills and gain experience in the core functions of advocacy and public policy work; as well as build their overall professional skills.

    New Deal for Youth

    • A New Deal for Youth (ND4Y) is a youth-led, youth-centered effort advocating for the creation of new systems, policies, investments and structures that reimagine life for young people in America. Changemakers are 15-24 years old, and are paid for their time. They will work on the following issues: economic justice and opportunity, healing and well-being, justice and safe communities, environmental justice, immigration justice, and democracy and civic engagement. We are already starting our Year 6 cohort, but if you're interested to join next year, reach out to admin@typcollaborative.org.

    National Network for Youth (NN4Y)

    • The information about their program is below: National Network for Youth's (NN4Y) National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) provides young adults the opportunity to engage in and lead NN4Y's work to prevent and end youth, young adult, and young parent family homelessness. NYAC members create a federal policy advocacy plan, speak about how federal policies and systems have impacted their lives, and educate policymakers to transform systems. NYAC members must be at least 18 years old; have lived experience of homelessness; live in stable housing, are employed, and/or are pursuing educational/workforce development goals; have an interest and passion for learning about government and public policy; and support NN4Y's mission, vision, and values. Note: Each NYAC term begins in September and new applicants are interviewed from June to August. Applications are accepted year-round, but those submitted outside of the interview period will not be reviewed until the following summer.

    Aspen Institute: Forum For Community Solutions

    • Aspen Institute: Forum For Community Solutions "AI's Forum FAM" continues to partner & collaborate with youth & young adults ages 16-24 & 25-32 as consultants, on the Leadership Council & various fellowships throughout the global movement of Opportunity Youth. We will continue to hold true our value(s) ensuring since the inception, nothing for...nothing without. As a movement building cultivation best practice with our 40+ communities, including the various Community Action Teams previously with the National Council Of Young Leaders/OYU, we meet every first Wednesday of the month at 4pmEST and welcome ALL for youth-led change. For More Information Contact: Jamiel L. Alexander at Jamiel.Alexander@AspenInstitute.org
  • I am currently in school*
  • I am currently employed*
  • I am currently in a youth workforce, education, or training program*

  • Applicant Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Follow up questions about the contact information you shared. (select all that apply)*
  • What is your preferred method of communication? (select all that apply)*
  • Do you have experience navigating any of the systems below? (select all that apply)*
  • How did you learn about this program? (select all that apply)*

  • Application Questions

    Please write a short response or record a video to answer each of the following questions.

  • ***Note about AI: We know some applicants may use AI tools to support their writing or organize their thoughts, but we are looking for responses that reflect your authentic voice, experiences, and passion. We want to hear from you, not AI. Please avoid using AI to generate your responses. Your unique ideas and creativity are more than enough. ***

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  • Thank you for your interest! We'll get back to you in the upcoming weeks.

    If you would like to advocate on behalf of Opportunity Youth IMMEDIATELY, please contact Meredith Hills to learn more about the Reconnecting Youth Campaign at meredith@forumfyi.org and follow the campaign on LinkedIn.

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