Young Invincibles Launches 2026 Young Advocates Program in Texas

Young Invincibles (YI), one of the nation’s leading youth-driven organizations, has opened applications for its 2026 Young Advocates Program — a transformative leadership development initiative designed to empower young adults to drive meaningful change in their communities.

If you are 18–34 years old and passionate about policy, advocacy, and organizing, this program offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public policy, learn how to engage your peers, and contribute to solutions around critical issues such as education, healthcare, workforce development, and civic engagement.

Applications are open until December 31, 2025, and the program officially begins on February 13, 2026, running through May 8, 2026.

About the Young Advocates Program

The Young Advocates Program is a signature initiative of Young Invincibles (YI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 2009 to amplify the voices of young people in national policy discussions and promote economic opportunity for all.

This hands-on leadership program equips participants with the tools to become community leaders, policy advocates, and changemakers. Participants will gain experience in community organizing, public policy, advocacy communication, and strategic campaigning. The program also includes opportunities to meet with elected officials, contribute to policy campaigns, and design community outreach activities that tackle real-world issues impacting young adults.

Program Structure and Activities

Advocates participate in weekly virtual sessions focused on advocacy training, leadership development, and policy education. The curriculum includes:

• Strategic communication and storytelling for advocacy

• Policy analysis and community organizing

• Leadership and coalition building

• Digital and grassroots campaigning

In addition to virtual learning, advocates will engage in in-person events, such as Policy Shark Tank sessions, Day at the Capitol, and community engagement projects. These immersive experiences allow participants to translate their learning into tangible advocacy outcomes.

Each regional cohort (California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas) meets weekly according to its local schedule. Texas participants meet on Tuesdays (4:00 – 6:30 PM CT) and Fridays (12:00 – 2:30 PM CT), with in-person sessions on the last Friday of each month.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to young adults aged 18–34 who live in or attend school in California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, or Texas.

Applicants should:

• Be available for all sessions and program activities

• Demonstrate passion for advocacy and youth empowerment

• Be interested in issues such as higher education, healthcare, or workforce development

• Have access to a laptop and WiFi for online participation

• Exhibit teamwork, initiative, and professionalism

A college degree is not required—the program welcomes all motivated individuals with a desire to lead and create change.

Compensation and Time Commitment

Participants are paid hourly for training and project work, averaging 6–10 hours per week. Pay rates vary by state:

• California – $17.87/hr

• Colorado – $19.29/hr

• Illinois – $16.60/hr

• New York – $17.00/hr

• Texas – $15.00/hr

Attendance at orientation, graduation, and all major in-person events is mandatory.

Why You Should Apply

The Young Advocates Program is more than a training—it’s a movement. Graduates emerge as empowered advocates equipped with the skills to influence policies, lead community initiatives, and inspire other young people to become active citizens.

By joining, you will:

• Develop practical advocacy and leadership skills

• Build a strong network of like-minded young leaders and mentors

• Participate in impactful community projects

• Gain experience that strengthens your personal and professional growth

For anyone seeking a platform to make a difference in their community, this program provides the knowledge, support, and tools to turn passion into action.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until December 31, 2025, at midnight. Interested applicants can apply online via the Young Invincibles website. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

About Young Invincibles

Founded in 2009, Young Invincibles (YI) is a nonpartisan organization working to expand economic opportunity for young adults aged 18–34. YI’s work focuses on four key areas: healthcare, higher education, workforce readiness, and civic engagement. With regional offices across the United States, YI has become a national voice advocating for policies that improve the lives of young people.

YI is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Visit HERE for more opportunities.

Related