Call for Applications: 2027 Champions for Change

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CNAY is excited to announce that applications for the 2027 Champions for Change cohort are now open! We are accepting submissions through October 6.

Champions for Change is a Native youth leadership program designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. Each year, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) selects a small cohort of inspirational youth (ages 14-24) to serve as Champions for Change (or ‘Champs’): young leaders from across the country with a desire to better their communities. This can be done in schools or programs, on reservations or in urban environments – anywhere there is opportunity to cultivate positive impact!

Champs serve as representatives of the next generation of leaders. Over the course of a year, they will receive a stipend as well as public speaking, advocacy and leadership opportunities. All applicants, regardless of acceptance, become part of the CNAY network and engage with our community.

To be considered, you must respond to five short answer questions and submit two letters of recommendation – one from a peer and one from a professional (25+). PLEASE NOTE: you will not be able to save the application and come back to it! We recommend:

  • Preparing your responses ahead of time, double checking your work and submitting only once you have all your materials ready;
  • Reviewing all the information on the Champions for Change page and reading our FAQs to get all your questions answered before submitting; and
  • Starting the process early, as it will take time to complete! 

Applicants must submit their Champions for Change Application no later than October 6, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Late submissions will not be considered.

Get Started!

Submission Eligibility:

  • Is Native or Indigenous;
  • Are between the ages of 14 and 24 years old on January 1, 2027; and 
  • Currently resides in the United States. 

After an extensive review process and a round of interviews, five/six final Champions for Change will be notified no later than December 31, 2026. The Fellowship period runs from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with a mandatory, in-person weeklong convening (‘Champs Week’) held in February 2027 – all expenses paid. 

Questions? Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or contact Senior Program Manager Katy Stewart (katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org). We also have a printable flyer available to share in your community.