Young Leaders Summer Institute Fellowship

The Young Leaders Summer Institute (YLSI) is a remote, nonpartisan civic education program designed to prepare rising generations to defend, strengthen and improve democracy. Rather than a traditional internship, YLSI is a summer certificate program fellowship that emphasizes skill-building through guided learning and experience.

Past speakers have included Danielle Allen, Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Archon Fung, Marshall Ganz, Jane Kamensky, and many more! 

Over the course of the program, YLSI Fellows learn about threats to democracy, global and historic democratic contexts, and 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.

YLSI runs from June 2 to July 31, 2026. The current application deadline is set for April 19th, 2026. 

Responsibilities

YLSI is structured to be completed alongside existing summer plans such as jobs, internships, or research.

YLSI meets on Tuesdays from 12-2 PM ET for 2-hour interactive large cohort sessions, joined by democracy experts, leaders, and practitioners in June and July. In addition, there are weekly hour-long small group discussion meetings offered at a variety of times each week. Fellows are able to select the small group meeting time that works for them after they have been accepted into the program. 

All sessions are synchronous, and Fellows must commit to full attendance. 

Qualifications

Fellows are selected through an online application process in spring 2026 - click here to apply.

Eligibility criteria includes:

• Being between the ages of 18-23.
• Ability to commit to 3-5 hours per week of virtual programming via Zoom, as well as small group discussions, readings, videos, etc.
• 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. The program is unpaid, and is provided at no cost to all participants. 

Read more about the program here: https://www.democracyhouse.org/ylsi

Feel free to email us at: info@democracyhouse.org or call 617-272-2172

This is a fully remote position. 

Democracy House's business address is: 45 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138