Elevating youth voices
Exploring Leadership lifts youth voices and gives them the confidence to initiate positive change.
Exploring Leadership Youth Program (EL)
Exploring Leadership (EL) is a transformative summer program that trains high school students to become active citizens and assume leadership roles in their communities. Through a set of Coro modules, the program increases Youth Fellows’ abilities in critical thinking and goal setting, ultimately giving them the skills to become effective facilitators and collaborators for community change.
The 2026 program will run from June 22rd – July 30th, 2026; Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM in San Francisco.
During Exploring Leadership, Youth Fellows experience hands-on leadership training, gain professional experience during an internship at a nonprofit, business, or government agency, and design and deliver a community action project. Youth Fellows leave the program with:
- Enhanced confidence in their leadership ability
- Real-world work experience
- A deeper understanding of community issues
- A professional network made up of community leaders
- Increased confidence in initiating positive change in their communities
Students who are 9th, 10th or 11th graders in the 2025-26 school year and have the following experiences or characteristics:
- Interested in making a positive change in their school/community
- Open to new experiences and leaving their comfort zone
- Good at working by themselves AND in teams
- Willing to commit to a full-time summer program
- Interested in learning new skills
There is no cost to participants. Each participant receives a $250 stipend upon completing the program (includes transportation costs).
Dodge & Cox
Inner Spark Foundation
