Emerging Leaders

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California Youth Connection’s (CYC) Emerging Leaders Program is a nine-month leadership development opportunity for current and former foster youth age 14-24.

The program consists of four committees that support local and statewide advocacy and organizing: 

  1. Core Organizer
  2. Member Experience & Communications Committee 
  3. Statewide Policy & Legislative Committee 
  4. Y.O.U.T.H. Training Project (YTP)

The Emerging Leaders Program is a learning journey that is aligned with California’s legislative cycle, providing youth with the education and training to transform the child welfare system. This program fosters life-long civic engagement and connects youth with a strong community of young people with similar experiences. Through a combination of virtual and in-person learning opportunities, participants connect with peers, learn from experts, and gain hands-on experience.   

CORE ORGANIZER

Core Organizer’s develop the skills to empower and mobilize youth advocates to lead campaigns that will transform the child welfare system. 

MEMBER EXPERIENCE & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Members create engaging youth experiences and amplify their impact through communications and storytelling.

STATEWIDE POLICY & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Members identify problems, come up with solutions, and turn those ideas into laws and policies.

Y.O.U.T.H. TRAINING PROJECT (YTP)

YTP  members develop and lead trainings for other CYC members and adults who work in child welfare. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is California Youth Connection?

California Youth Connection (CYC) is a statewide, youth-led nonprofit organization that develops the leadership of current and former foster youth (age 14-24) so they can improve the child welfare system through advocacy, policy and legislative change, and community organizing. 

No – You do not need to be a CYC member to apply, but you do need to meet our member requirements (current or former foster/ juvenile justice youth age 14-24). If you are accepted into the Emerging Leaders Program, you will also be welcomed into CYC membership and must fill out a Membership Application. 

If your application is not accepted, we encourage you to still participate in CYC as a member!

Applicants must be current or former system-involved youth age 14-24.

The Emerging Leaders application is due on Monday, August 10, 2026. 

The Emerging Leaders term is nine months from September 2026 – June 2027. 

Participants will receive an total stipend amount of $4,500 for their participation in the Emerging Leaders Program. The stipend will be paid out three times during the term. Each payment amount will be $1,500 and will be paid upon the completion of a quarterly self-assessment. 

Nope, CYC membership is free. Come join our community! 

Yes you can apply again. We encourage after serving in two consecutive terms, that members practice a step up, step back approach to allow new members the opportunity to serve in a paid leadership role.