The Youth Fellows Program is a hands-on summer experience designed to prepare high school students to step up as the next generation of leaders in Southern California. Over six weeks, you’ll learn about local government and key institutions, and build the skills to speak up, lead, and make a difference in your community. Through leadership workshops, real-world internships, and group projects exploring civic life in Los Angeles, you’ll strengthen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. By the end of the program you’ll have valuable professional experience, more confidence, greater understanding of potential career paths, and a supportive network of Coro alumni mentors.
This Coro California program is offered in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Program Overview
Program Benefits
Ideal Candidates & Eligibility
Format & Curriculum
Program Structure
Six-week rigorous, full-time summer program meeting daily providing immersive leadership development for rising high school juniors and seniors. The program combines facilitated leadership seminars, professional internship placements, Logic Study exploration, and cohort-led Focus Days examining civic challenges. Explore the program calendar for more information.
Curriculum Themes
Content addresses essential leadership competencies including self-awareness and emotional management, collaboration and teamwork strategies, effective communication across differences, self-awareness practices, inquiry and critical thinking methods, and evaluation skills for complex problems.
Career Readiness Focus
Short internship-like placements provide real-world job experience and exposure to professional environments across sectors. Fellows gain practical skills, build professional networks, and develop understanding of workplace dynamics and career opportunities throughout Los Angeles.
Learning Approach
Coro’s experiential methods center active practice over passive listening. You’ll engage in civic case discussions, leadership interviews and simulations, peer exchanges, and reflective exercises. Facilitators create space for mindfulness, vulnerability, and authentic connection, fostering psychological safety for adaptive collaboration and innovation.
Program Philosophy
Coro’s approach emphasizes three core principles: active leadership practice as lifelong learning, relating productively across differences in identities and perspectives, and embracing curiosity and vulnerability as foundations for authentic leadership and meaningful change.
Cost & Financial Support
Tuition
Tuition is $6,000 (subsidized from $12,000 by generous sponsor support). This substantial subsidy reflects Coro’s commitment to making leadership development accessible to young leaders.
Scholarships
Coro offers need-based scholarships to qualified applicants. Complete the relevant scholarship questions in the application to be considered for financial assistance.
Application Process & Key Dates
How to Apply
Complete the online application sharing your interest in leadership development, civic engagement, and commitment to personal growth. Review the Application Guide for detailed instructions and tips for crafting strong responses. Applications are reviewed holistically with priority for students demonstrating genuine interest in community leadership and making a difference in schools and communities.
Application Note: Applicants will have the option to apply only to the Youth Fellows Program or submit a dual application to Coro’s Youth Climate Fellowship.
Application Deadlines
Application portal opens: February 5, 2026
Early decision deadline: March 24, 2026
(early consideration for scholarship and cohort selection)
Regular decision deadline: April 28, 2026
Selection Timeline
Applications are reviewed following each deadline and applicants notified within two weeks of the deadline. Program tuition payments will be due typically four to six weeks from your decision notification.
