YOUNG LEADERS
SUMMER INSTITUTE

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

A GIF taken from a YLSI session, where students on Zoom are smiling and waving to the camera.

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 and global and historic democratic contexts, as well as develop civic leadership skills.

YLSI Fellows will:

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

  • Gain confidence in their ability to be a leader in democracy.

  • Enhance critical leadership and communication skills.

  • Engage with peers passionate about solving today’s biggest challenges, and be welcomed into the YLSI alumni network.

  • Receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

“There are so many other people, especially young people, who feel passionately about these important issues. I’m not alone in this work, and I can’t wait to work with leaders like those I met during this program to advance democracy.”

- 2023 YLSI fellow

A Zoom still from a YLSI session featuring Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez and David Hogg. Both are spotlighted on the screen, along with a student, who is asking a question.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

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

YLSI meets for weekly 2-hour interactive sessions with democracy experts, leaders, and elected representatives over the summer. Sessions are synchronous, and Fellows must commit to full attendance. For more information, keep reading to learn about past programming.

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 two hours per week of virtual programming via Zoom, as well as additional work of about one hour per week consisting of readings, videos, or small-group discussions.

  • 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.

A Zoom still from a YLSI session featuring Van Jones and Alice Stewart. Both are spotlighted on the screen, along with a student, who is asking a question.

Previous Speakers Include:

  • A headshot of Danielle Allen smiling against a blurred background.

    Danielle Allen

  • A headshot of Nicole smiling against an orange background.

    Nicole Bibbins Sedaca

  • A headshot of Heather smiling and looking to her left against a dark background.

    Heather Booth

  • A headshot of Maxwell smiling against a medium blue background with an American flag.

    Congressman Maxwell Frost

  • Marshall smiling and gesturing against a gray-blue background.

    Marshall Ganz

  • A headshot of David smiling in front of a white building.

    David Hogg

  • Van smiling and gesturing in front of a gray studio background.

    Van Jones

  • Cristina smiling with a window and cityscape in the background.

    Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez

  • In 2023, the program ran from June 16 to August 11 and met on Fridays from 12:00pm-2:00pm ET / 9:00am-11:00am PT.

    Session 1: Why Does Democracy Need Protecting? Freedom in the World, featuring Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Evan Mawarire, and Genesis Davila Vazquez

    Session 2: Why Does Democracy Need Protecting? A US Look, featuring Danielle Allen and Aaryan Rawal

    Session 3: Gen Z’s Role in Democracy, featuring Congressman Maxwell Frost and Teddy Landis

    Session 4: Influencing Change, featuring Heather Booth

    Session 5: Effectively Communicating Your Message, featuring Marshall Ganz and Anjali Rodrigues

    Session 6: Finding and Building Common Ground, featuring Van Jones and Alice Stewart

    Session 7: Coalitions and How We Build Them, featuring David Hogg, Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, Chloe Maxmin, and Courtney Gary-Allen

    Session 8: Pathways In Democracy Strengthening, featuring Dakota Hall, Kate Krolicki, Kiera O’Brien, Jahnavi Rao, and Jessi Hollis McCarthy

    Session 9: Being a Leader in Democracy, featuring Danielle Allen