2027-2028 John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship
2027-2028 John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship
Reporting to: Program Manager of Young Leaders
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Location: Remote
Compensation: $2,000 (plus a $1,000 capstone project action fund)
Kennedy Human Rights Center is beginning its 2027-2028 recruitment cycle for our next cohort of John Lewis Young Leaders Fellows! Click here to register to join our informational sessions and learn more about the John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship, and get insights into writing a competitive application!
John Lewis Young Leaders is a year-long, virtual undergraduate fellowship that equips students with the skills to become civically-minded leaders and human rights defenders in their communities, campuses, and careers, committed to enacting positive and perpetual change. Throughout the year, fellows engage their campus and local communities in meaningful human rights work through a capstone project of their design. Fellows receive resources and support to ensure their success in the program and beyond, including:
- Monthly meetings with their cohort where they receive comprehensive grassroots organizing workshops, and hear from guest speakers from a variety of career fields
- Professional and leadership development training to increase career readiness
- 1:1 mentorship from Kennedy Human Rights staff
- Opportunities to receive professional certifications from partner organizations like the AYNI Institute
- Attend a 4-day in-person retreat receiving intensive professional development and human rights training, hearing from speakers who are experts in their fields, engage in experiential learning in social justice efforts, and develop their professional and personal networks.
- Financial support of a $2000 living stipend and $1000 Action Fund to implement their capstone projects
- Access to an extensive network of human rights and career professionals, peers, and program alumni
Important Dates:
- Virtual Info. Sessions held November 2026
- Application Portal opens February 2027
- Fellowship term: August 2027 – May 2028
- 4 day in-person retreat: June 2027 and June 2028 (travel and housing covered)
For those who cannot attend an informational session, a recording of the session and additional application preparation resources will be available on our website.
No phone calls please. Kennedy Human Rights will contact applicants directly.
Kennedy Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you're in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to hr@rfkhumanrights.org with the subj. line "Accommodation Request". Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud
- Having interviews in a more accessible location/format