Student Voices Leaders

Student Voices Leaders

Student Voices is looking for 9th - 12th graders enrolled in California public schools during the 2025-2026 academic year to participate in a paid leadership development program. The Student Voices Leaders program brings together students from across California to explore the impacts of activism.

In this online program, we work creatively and collaboratively to build a statewide network of student activists committed to creating change in their schools and communities. Through mentorship cohorts and guest speakers, leaders gain skills and strategies for navigating education systems and career pathways.

As a Student Voices Leader, you will explore what advocacy means to you and develop a plan for expanding and engaging student voice in your schools. The program will involve making public comment to your school board and participation in organizational webinars.

TIME COMMITMENT: Student Voices Leaders will meet from September 2025 through June 2026, attend 8 virtual trainings and 8 student hours, and work on projects of their choosing both independently and in small groups.

STIPEND: $600

REQUIREMENTS: ● Must be in 9th through 12th grade during 2025-2026 and attend a public school in California. ● Must be committed to activism in action and/or community building. ● Must be able to work collaboratively. ● Must be able to attend 8 virtual trainings and 8 student hours matched with independent work. ● Must have access to a computer and/or iPad with video and microphone for working online. ● We encourage applications from students from all backgrounds.

TO APPLY: The application cycle will be open from May 19th to July 18th, 2025. During this window, we will conduct two rounds of interviews. Decisions will be announced in mid-August.

Part 1: Resume

Please provide your contact information below and answer the following questions.

We collect data from participants to measure impact, gather feedback to inform improvements to the program and evaluate goals around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

First and Last name*

Pronouns

Select or enter value

Age*

Racial/ Ethnic Identity (Optional)

Select or enter value

Other:

Address

City*

State*

Zip Code*

Phone Number*

Email*

School Name*

Grade in Fall 2025*

School Address

School City*

School Zip*

Legal Guardian Name*

Legal Guardian Phone Number*

Legal Guardian Email*

Relevant Experience*

Please briefly describe any experiences or skills that would be relevant to this program (e.g. extracurricular activities, art classes, activist efforts, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok).

Challenges*

Have you had difficulty accessing the arts or experienced a lack of support for your artistic goals? Have you spoken to a friend, teacher, or administrator about creating change in your school or community? If so, please briefly describe those challenges and/or conversations here.

Part 2: Short Answer

Please answer each of the following questions in 250 words or less.

Why do you want to take part in this program?*

What are you hoping to change in your school or community?

About you

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you? (optional)

How did you hear about us?*

Tell us the org, program, or teacher who sent you our way!

Adult Allyship

Allyship is critical in advocacy, and collaboration between youth and adult advocates builds a shared strategy. If you have an adult ally you'd like to collaborate with, please share the Arts Now Leader application.

Send me a copy of my responses

Privacy Notice|Report Abuse