YOUNG LEADERS
SUMMER INSTITUTE

A free, nonpartisan, and virtual program for the next generation of civic leaders.

Applications for YLSI 2026 are OPEN - priority deadline March 8!

APPLY NOW
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
STRUCTURE + ELIGIBILITY
CURRICULUM
NEW! RENOVATION FELLOWS PROGRAM

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Young Leaders Summer Institute (YLSI) is a civic education program designed to prepare rising generations to defend, strengthen and improve democracy.

Over the course of the program, YLSI Fellows learn about threats to democracy, discuss global and historic democratic contexts, and develop their civic leadership skills.

YLSI Fellows will:

  • Learn from experts, including top civic leaders and elected representatives. 

  • Engage with peers passionate about solving today’s biggest challenges and build a shared understanding of democracy and its importance.

  • Gain confidence in their ability to be a leader in democracy by deepening understanding of their own leadership abilities and motivations for being active in democracy.

  • Be supported to take action to support democracy.

  • Build civic skills, including navigating conflict/disagreement productively and combating misinformation.

  • Receive a certificate and gain access to the YLSI alumni community upon successful completion of the program.

  • YLSI introduced me to new ways of thinking and new friendships. The guest speakers brought with them interesting insight into new ways of thinking about democracy. My peers were kind, open to sharing, and passionate. I hope to keep in touch with some of them in the future as I continue to be a part of the Democracy House community.

    — Avery, YLSI ‘25

  • This program really helped open my eyes to so many aspects of democracy and democratic leadership-building that I otherwise never would’ve thought of. It’s made me more passionate for getting engaged in the democratic process and assisting in the incredible change that so many YLSI speakers and alumni have created.

    — Alexander, YLSI ‘24

  • Through the YLSI program and its knowledgeable guest speakers and teaching fellows, I learned more about why fighting for democracy matters, how we can protect democracy, and how to find my role in democracy.

    — Jennifer, YLSI ‘24

  • Democracy House truly lives up to its commitment to being nonpartisan, creating an environment where diverse viewpoints are not just tolerated but genuinely valued. This program exceeded my expectations in fostering meaningful dialogue across political differences.

    — Kevin, YLSI ‘25

  • I learned a lot, made lifelong connections, and felt truly supported during this summer in the YLSI program. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to develop both professionally and personally in a considerate and cooperative setting.

    — Jasmeet, YLSI ‘25

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The Young Leaders Summer Institute is structured to be completed alongside existing summer plans such as jobs, internships, or research.

Participants can expect to spend 3-5 hours/week in YLSI activities, including:

  • Weekly 2-hour interactive sessions, on Tuesdays June 3-July 29 from 12-2pm ET, featuring democracy experts, leaders, and elected representatives.

  • Weekly 1-hour small group discussions, with various time slots offered upon program acceptance.

Sessions are synchronous, and Fellows must commit to full attendance.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Fellows are selected through an online application process in the spring. Eligibility criteria includes:

  • Being between the ages of 18-23.

  • Ability to commit to 3-5 hours per week of synchronous virtual programming via Zoom, along with asynchronous time putting their learning into practice.

  • Having demonstrated interest and/or leadership in advancing democracy (ideal, but not required).

Students from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and political experiences are encouraged to apply.

Applicants with a planned internship or summer job are responsible for obtaining permission from their supervisor to attend weekly sessions.

Questions? Reach out to us via email at info@democracyhouse.org.

Curriculum

YLSI takes place over nine weeks during the summer, and is comprised of three modules:

  • This module gives context and grounding for the rest of the summer and beyond. Fellows explore democracy in the US and abroad, as well as threats to democracy and tools to strengthen it.

  • This module addresses individual roles and motivations for building and strengthening democracy, deepening Fellows’ understanding of individual power and its ability to influence change.

  • This module explores ways to put understanding into action to strengthen democracy.

In each module, YLSI welcomes subject matter experts and practitioners to the program to share their work and engage in conversation with Fellows.

PREVIOUS SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

  • A headshot of Danielle Allen.

    Danielle Allen

  • A photo of Ian Bassin.

    Ian Bassin


  • A headshot of Nicole Bibbins Sedaca.

    Nicole Bibbins Sedaca

  • Photo of Brittany Butler.

    Brittany Butler

  • A headshot of Genesis Davila.

    Genesis Davila


  • A headshot of Dan Evon.

    Dan Evon


  • A headshot of Archon Fung.

    Archon Fung


  • A photo of Marshall Ganz.

    Marshall Ganz

  • A photo of Trey Grayson.

    Trey Grayson


  • A headshot of David Hogg.

    David Hogg

  • Photo of Jane Kamensky.

    Jane Kamensky

  • Photo of Rachel Kleinfeld.

    Rachel Kleinfeld

  • Photo of Evan Mawarire.

    Evan Mawarire

  • Photo of Manu Meel.

    Manu Meel

  • Photo of Niko Perez.

    Niko Perez


  • Photo of Jahnavi Rao.

    Jahnavi Rao


  • A headshot of Anjali Rodrigues.

    Anjali Rodrigues


  • A headshot of Karn Saetang.

    Karn Saetang


  • Photo of Jabali Sawicki.

    Jabali Sawicki

Renovation Fellows

Renovation Fellows participate in YLSI while also completing a summer internship with a nonpartisan host organization. Internships are full-time and focus on exploring long-term systems-level reform strategies for democracy. Renovation Fellows build a community of peers through YLSI while gaining direct experience at organizations working to strengthen democracy and leave the program with a better understanding of long-term systems-level reform to strengthen, defend and improve democracy.

YLSI applicants ages 20-23 are eligible to apply, and Renovation Fellows applications are due by March 8, 2026. For more information, be sure to complete the YLSI application.

New to Summer 2026!