Champions for Change

Recognizing and amplifying Native youth who inspire one another to make a positive impact in their communities.

About the Program

The Champions for Change (CFC) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. Inspired by a 2011 White House initiative, CFC develops young Native leaders through experience-based learning and tailored advocacy training.

Each year, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) selects five inspirational youth (14-24) to serve as Champions for Change: 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.

All applicants, regardless of acceptance, become part of the CNAY network and engage with our community.

Get Involved

2025 Champions for Change applications are now open!
To be considered, you must respond to six 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:

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

Applicants must submit their Champions for Change Application no later than October 9 at 11:59pm ET.

Submission Eligibility:

  • Self-identify as Native or Indigenous
  • Between the ages of 14- and 24-years-old 
  • Currently reside in the United States

After an extensive review and a round of phone interviews, five final Champions for Change will be notified by December 31, 2024.

Questions? Please refer to the FAQ page or contact Katy Stewart: katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org. You can learn more about the 2024 class and the role of a Champion below.

We also have a printable PDF flyer available for download to share in your local community!

Learn More

The 2024 Champions for Change serve as representatives of the next generations of leaders. From Alaska to Maine, they collectively advocate for greater Indigenous representation in higher education and entertainment, opportunities for cultural connectedness, tribal sovereignty, increased civic engagement and climate justice.

Learn more about the 2024 Champions:

What is the Role of a Champion?

Champions enter a yearlong, close working relationship with CNAY that begins in the spring with a series of recognition events in Washington, DC, known as Champs Week. This national recognition provides an initial platform for Champions to amplify their leadership stories and a variety of resources that enhance their advocacy skills. Throughout their term, they receive support and resources from our network, as well as unique opportunities to represent themselves and CNAY at various events. Visit our Newsroom to read more about previous Champions and their work.

Champs also serve a minimum one-year term on our YAB
(Youth Advisory Board) and take advantage of opportunities to contribute to the national dialogue on critical issues affecting Native communities.

Listen and learn more about previous Champions’ experiences below!

Community-Based Programs

To expand the reach of a proven leadership model and incite localized transformation, CNAY established Champions for Change Community-Based Programs. Modeled after the national fellowship, young Native leaders receive hands-on advocacy, community organizing and communications training. Participants also develop community action projects, designed to affect positive changes they wish to see in their home community.  

Our current community-based programs include the Calm Before the Storm (North Dakota) and Growing into Wowachinyepi (South Dakota).

Interested in bringing Champions for Change to your community? Contact Cheyenne Brady: cheyenne.brady@aspeninstitute.org

As the very first class of CNAY Champions for Change, Sarah, Cierra, Vance, Joaquin, and Dahkota have inspired other Native youth…
The 2014 CFCs are five young Native American leaders who are creating positive change for their peers and tribal or…
These five inspiring Native leaders are working diligently to create positive change within their tribal and urban Indian communities. The…
Christie, Noah, Sam and Vanessa are all working within and beyond their tribal communities to educate and support their peers,…
CJ, Faith, Mariah, Nancy, and Sam come from diverse tribal communities throughout the United States with unique stories that led…
Collectively, Damien, Isabel, Shawna, EllaMae, and Anthony are working to connect Native youth with the healing power of tribal lands,…
The 2019 Champions for Change, Autumn, Shandiin, Charitie, Madison, and Adam, serve as representatives of the next generations of leaders…
The 2020-2021 Champions for Change: Isabella, Jazmine, Owen, Shavaughna, and Warren, serve as representatives of the next generations of leaders…
The 2022 Champions for Change: Adrien, Ivy, Maria, Triston, and Kaliko serve as representatives of the next generations of leaders…
The 2024 Champions for Change: Ian, Jeidah, Sage, Tayler and Wambli serve as representatives of the next generations of leaders…
Lebanon, CT
Mohegan
Adam sees the most important challenge his community faces to be a disconnect from their culture. He helped create a…
Chicago, Illinois
Saulteaux
Adrien “AJ” Pochel is Saulteaux and Lakota. He is a member of Chi Nations Youth Council and singer with Shki-Bmaadzi, an inter-tribal youth…
Anthony Michael Tamez-Pochel (he/him) was born and raised in Chicago, and is Saulteaux from Treaty 4 territory, Sicangu Lakota and…
Ellensburg, WA
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Autumn advocates for the children affected by the implementation and lack of implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).…
Ewa Beach, HI
Native Hawaiian
Carin Young is the first Native Hawaiian to be named a CNAY Champion for Change. Carin is dedicated to raising…
Pleasant Point Perry, ME
Passamaquoddy Tribe
CJ’s goal is unity, strength, and healthy partnerships for all. After overcoming the effects of middle-school bullying, CJ poured his…