Thank you for your interest in the Democracy House Young Leaders Summer Institute (YLSI)!
YLSI prepares the next generation of leaders to strengthen democracy. This fully virtual, nonpartisan institute is designed to enhance your existing summer internship or job. The full cohort will meet on Tuesdays from 12-2pm ET in June and July, and Fellows will have one additional hour in a small group meeting (times vary).
The priority application deadline is Sunday, March 8, 2026. Applications submitted after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as spots are limited. The application will ask about two previous work/school experiences and has five short answer questions (100 words or less). A resume is not required.
After completing YLSI, you will receive continued support and resources as a member of the Democracy House Alumni Network, where you’ll have access to ongoing educational and professional opportunities.
Apply by April 19.
For more information about the program, please visit our website.
Eligibility criteria for YLSI 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.
NEW to YLSI 2026 - The Renovation Fellowship!
The Renovation Fellowship is a new opportunity designed to complement YLSI. Selected Fellows are matched with a full-time, paid internship at a nonpartisan organization focusing on long-term systems-level reform strategies for democracy.
YLSI applicants must complete a separate application process to join Renovation Fellows. For more information and to apply, complete the YLSI application. The Renovation Fellowship application is open to YLSI applicants 20 - 23.
Young Leaders Summer Institute
Thank you for your interest in the Democracy House Young Leaders Summer Institute (YLSI)!
YLSI prepares the next generation of leaders to strengthen democracy. This fully virtual, nonpartisan institute is designed to enhance your existing summer internship or job. The full cohort will meet on Tuesdays from 12-2pm ET in June and July, and Fellows will have one additional hour in a small group meeting (times vary).
The priority application deadline is Sunday, March 8, 2026. Applications submitted after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as spots are limited. The application will ask about two previous work/school experiences and has five short answer questions (100 words or less). A resume is not required.
After completing YLSI, you will receive continued support and resources as a member of the Democracy House Alumni Network, where you’ll have access to ongoing educational and professional opportunities.
Apply by April 19.
For more information about the program, please visit our website.
Eligibility criteria for YLSI 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.
NEW to YLSI 2026 - The Renovation Fellowship!
The Renovation Fellowship is a new opportunity designed to complement YLSI. Selected Fellows are matched with a full-time, paid internship at a nonpartisan organization focusing on long-term systems-level reform strategies for democracy.
YLSI applicants must complete a separate application process to join Renovation Fellows. For more information and to apply, complete the YLSI application. The Renovation Fellowship application is open to YLSI applicants 20 - 23.