Why Opportunities Matter
Many students think that high-level opportunities like internships or leadership programs are reserved only for straight-A students, wealthy families, or those with deep connections. This is a myth. Powerful experiences are waiting for volunteers, creators, advocates, and any student willing to take the first step. Your initiative is your greatest qualification.
Why Intern?
Internships give you real-world experience, help you test out career paths, and introduce you to mentors who can guide your future.
How To Reach Out
If you have no experience, highlight your volunteer work, school projects, and your passion to learn. Reaching out is the first big step.
How To Get An Internship
An internship is a short-term professional learning experience that offers meaningful work related to a student’s field of study or career interest. They matter because they build your resume and professional circle early.
Where To Find Them
Look at local nonprofits, government offices, school district HQ, or professional sites like LinkedIn and Indeed tailored for youth.
Writing Your Email
Keep it professional: introduce yourself, explain why you admire their organization, and state what you can offer as an intern.
Youth Advisory Boards
What Is A Youth Advisory Board? These are groups of young leaders who advise adult decision-makers in government, school districts, or nonprofits. As a member, you influence policy, advocate for peer needs, and represent the youth perspective. Joining allows you to build a professional network, gain civic experience, and see your ideas implemented in the real world.
Application Tips
- Research the board's mission
- Share specific community issues you care about
- Highlight your willingness to learn and collaborate
City Councils
Advise local government on parks, transit, and youth services in your own backyard.
Nonprofits
Help organizations design programs that effectively reach and support your peers.
School Districts
Collaborate with school boards to represent student voices on curriculum and safety.
State Agencies
Apply for statewide boards focused on health, environment, or juvenile justice.
Leadership Programs
What are leadership programs? These are structured experiences like summer institutes, youth leadership conferences, and civic fellows programs designed to sharpen your voice and networking skills. Why participate? You'll gain mentors, build your resume, and connect with other young changemakers.
Summer Leadership Institutes
Intensive residential or virtual programs focused on social justice, public policy, and community organizing skills.
Youth Leadership Conferences
National and regional summits where you can network with peers and learn from industry experts in advocacy.
Civic Leadership Programs
Fellowships and year-long tracks that provide hands-on experience in public service and government engagement.
Public Service & Government
From local youth councils to legislative fellowships, explore how you can serve your community and gain hands-on experience in government and public administration.
Local Youth Councils
Advise city officials and represent the voices of your peers on local issues starting from your own neighborhood.
Government Internships
Work within government agencies to understand daily operations and community board management.
Legislative Programs
Experience the legislative process firsthand. Work with state or federal representatives, witness policy debates, and help draft mock legislation. Perfect for students interested in law and government relations.
Civic Fellowships
Intensive fellowships designed to build leadership through public sector projects and community boards.
Community Boards
Engage with nonprofit boards and state agencies to influence decisions that impact your future directly.
Service Opportunities
Service is the heart of leadership. Whether joining a local nonprofit or starting your own project, your contribution creates ripples of change in your community.
Volunteer & Nonprofits
Support established missions by volunteering at local food banks, animal shelters, or neighborhood centers. These experiences provide a deep understanding of community needs while earning essential service hours.
Start Your Own Initiative
Identify a problem in your neighborhood and build a solution. Whether it's a neighborhood recycling program or a youth tutoring network, starting your own initiative shows ultimate leadership and drive.
Opportunity Roadmaps
Map out your journey. Whether you want to lead a city or a nonprofit, here are the steps to get there.
I Want To Be A Lawyer
Start with Debate Club and Mock Trial. Seek internships at local law firms and join youth advisory boards to understand policy from the ground up.
I Want To Work In Government
Apply for legislative internships and youth councils. Participate in civic leadership programs and run for student council to build governance experience.
I Want To Lead A Nonprofit
Volunteer deeply with a cause you love. Transition to a summer fellowship at a nonprofit and eventually start your own community project or initiative.
If you had the opportunity to spend a summer learning about any issue or career field, what would you choose and why?
Take a moment to write down your thoughts. This simple reflection is the first spark of your leadership journey.
The Changemaker Challenge
Spend 20 minutes researching one leadership, internship, scholarship, or advisory board opportunity that interests you and write down the first step needed to apply.