Youth Fellows Program
Preparing high school students to lead with confidence
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.
Application Currently Closed
The application cycle has closed. Submit an Interest Form to receive recruitment updates.
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Program Overview
- Develop leadership skills in seminars led by Coro facilitators, practicing proven strategies including self-awareness and self-management, collaboration and effective communication, mindfulness practices, and inquiry and critical thinking methods.
- Gain professional experience through internship placements that provide direct exposure to local institutions, real-world job experience, and opportunities to apply leadership skills while building a strong network.
- Lead a Logic Study delving into the inner workings of Los Angeles systems through site tours, expert interviews, and independent research that sharpens analytical abilities, self-awareness, and group dynamics.
- Explore civic challenges through cohort-led Focus Days where you design and facilitate in-depth examinations of community issues, promoting collaboration in small teams, relationship building, and strategic thinking.
- Connect with mentors, meeting influential changemakers eager to support your education and career development. Join Coro’s 15,000+ alumni network of remarkable leaders.
Program Benefits
- Explore pressing topics affecting public life while learning leadership strategies to leverage resources, collaborate across differences, and create positive change in schools and communities.
- Build a professional network, connecting with mentors and influential changemakers who support your educational aspirations and can provide guidance on career pathways and opportunities.
- Master leadership strategies, deepening understanding of inquiry methods, constructive feedback, and communication skills that build confidence and effectiveness in varied settings.
- Gain career insights about potential professional pathways across sectors, including business, public service, nonprofit, and community advocacy work.
- Strengthen college applications, showcasing an impressive learning experience that demonstrates leadership development, civic engagement, and professional growth, distinguishing you in competitive college admissions.
Ideal Candidates & Eligibility
- Are high school sophomores or juniors when applying. The program is tailored for rising juniors and rising seniors preparing for next educational steps.
- Live or attend school in Greater Los Angeles and can commit to attending all sessions in Downtown Los Angeles throughout the six-week program.
- Want to make a difference in their schools and communities through civic engagement, advocacy, and leadership development.
- Are eager to grow and demonstrate readiness to learn, challenge themselves, and engage authentically with peers from different backgrounds and perspectives.
- Commit to full participation (explore the program calendar for dates and attendance expectations).
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.
Meet the Cohort and Past Organizations
Sponsors
