{"id":66247,"date":"2025-11-06T09:52:30","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T09:52:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=66247"},"modified":"2025-11-06T09:52:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T09:52:30","slug":"young-invincibles-launches-2026-young-advocates-program-in-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=66247","title":{"rendered":"Young Invincibles Launches 2026 Young Advocates Program in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"357\"><strong data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"98\">Young Invincibles (YI)<\/strong>, one of the nation\u2019s leading youth-driven organizations, has opened applications for its <strong data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"220\">2026 Young Advocates Program<\/strong> \u2014 a transformative leadership development initiative designed to empower young adults to drive meaningful change in their communities.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"694\">If you are <strong data-start=\"370\" data-end=\"389\">18\u201334 years old<\/strong> and passionate about <strong data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"447\">policy, advocacy, and organizing<\/strong>, this program offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public policy, learn how to engage your peers, and contribute to solutions around critical issues such as <strong data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"691\">education, healthcare, workforce development, and civic engagement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"696\" data-end=\"841\">Applications are open until <strong data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"745\">December 31, 2025<\/strong>, and the program officially begins on <strong data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"805\">February 13, 2026<\/strong>, running through <strong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"838\">May 8, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"843\" data-end=\"846\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"887\">About the Young Advocates Program<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"889\" data-end=\"1144\">The <strong data-start=\"893\" data-end=\"920\">Young Advocates Program<\/strong> is a signature initiative of <strong data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"976\">Young Invincibles (YI)<\/strong>, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 2009 to amplify the voices of young people in national policy discussions and promote economic opportunity for all.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1624\">This hands-on leadership program equips participants with the tools to become community leaders, policy advocates, and changemakers. Participants will gain experience in <strong data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1379\">community organizing, public policy, advocacy communication<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"1385\" data-end=\"1410\">strategic campaigning<\/strong>. The program also includes opportunities to <strong data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1486\">meet with elected officials<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1522\">contribute to policy campaigns<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"1528\" data-end=\"1568\">design community outreach activities<\/strong> that tackle real-world issues impacting young adults.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"1629\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1669\">Program Structure and Activities<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1671\" data-end=\"1826\">Advocates participate in <strong data-start=\"1696\" data-end=\"1723\">weekly virtual sessions<\/strong> focused on advocacy training, leadership development, and policy education. The curriculum includes:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1827\" data-end=\"2006\">\n<li data-start=\"1827\" data-end=\"1884\">\n<p data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"1884\">Strategic communication and storytelling for advocacy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1885\" data-end=\"1929\">\n<p data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1929\">Policy analysis and community organizing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1930\" data-end=\"1967\">\n<p data-start=\"1932\" data-end=\"1967\">Leadership and coalition building<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1968\" data-end=\"2006\">\n<p data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"2006\">Digital and grassroots campaigning<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2296\">In addition to virtual learning, advocates will engage in <strong data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2086\">in-person events<\/strong>, such as <em data-start=\"2096\" data-end=\"2115\">Policy Shark Tank<\/em> sessions, <em data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2146\">Day at the Capitol<\/em>, and <strong data-start=\"2152\" data-end=\"2185\">community engagement projects<\/strong>. These immersive experiences allow participants to translate their learning into tangible advocacy outcomes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2298\" data-end=\"2580\">Each regional cohort (California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas) meets weekly according to its local schedule. <strong data-start=\"2419\" data-end=\"2441\">Texas participants<\/strong> meet on <strong data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2482\">Tuesdays (4:00 \u2013 6:30 PM CT)<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"2487\" data-end=\"2519\">Fridays (12:00 \u2013 2:30 PM CT)<\/strong>, with in-person sessions on the last Friday of each month.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2585\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2587\" data-end=\"2613\">Eligibility Criteria<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2755\">The program is open to <strong data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2665\">young adults aged 18\u201334<\/strong> who live in or attend school in <strong data-start=\"2698\" data-end=\"2752\">California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, or Texas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2757\" data-end=\"2777\">Applicants should:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2778\" data-end=\"3104\">\n<li data-start=\"2778\" data-end=\"2834\">\n<p data-start=\"2780\" data-end=\"2834\">Be available for all sessions and program activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2835\" data-end=\"2893\">\n<p data-start=\"2837\" data-end=\"2893\">Demonstrate passion for advocacy and youth empowerment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2894\" data-end=\"2984\">\n<p data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"2984\">Be interested in issues such as higher education, healthcare, or workforce development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"3050\">\n<p data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3050\">Have access to a <strong data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3023\">laptop and WiFi<\/strong> for online participation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3104\">\n<p data-start=\"3053\" data-end=\"3104\">Exhibit teamwork, initiative, and professionalism<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3232\">A college degree is <strong data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3142\">not required<\/strong>\u2014the program welcomes all motivated individuals with a desire to lead and create change.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3237\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3239\" data-end=\"3277\">Compensation and Time Commitment<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3279\" data-end=\"3400\">Participants are paid hourly for training and project work, averaging <strong data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3372\">6\u201310 hours per week<\/strong>. Pay rates vary by state:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3401\" data-end=\"3524\">\n<li data-start=\"3401\" data-end=\"3427\">\n<p data-start=\"3403\" data-end=\"3427\">California \u2013 $17.87\/hr<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3428\" data-end=\"3452\">\n<p data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3452\">Colorado \u2013 $19.29\/hr<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3477\">\n<p data-start=\"3455\" data-end=\"3477\">Illinois \u2013 $16.60\/hr<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3478\" data-end=\"3502\">\n<p data-start=\"3480\" data-end=\"3502\">New York \u2013 $17.00\/hr<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3503\" data-end=\"3524\">\n<p data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3524\">Texas \u2013 $15.00\/hr<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3526\" data-end=\"3611\">Attendance at orientation, graduation, and all major in-person events is mandatory.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3613\" data-end=\"3616\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3618\" data-end=\"3644\">Why You Should Apply<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3646\" data-end=\"3890\">The Young Advocates Program is more than a training\u2014it\u2019s a movement. Graduates emerge as empowered advocates equipped with the skills to influence policies, lead community initiatives, and inspire other young people to become active citizens.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3892\" data-end=\"3915\">By joining, you will:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3916\" data-end=\"4159\">\n<li data-start=\"3916\" data-end=\"3968\">\n<p data-start=\"3918\" data-end=\"3968\">Develop practical advocacy and leadership skills<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"4036\">\n<p data-start=\"3971\" data-end=\"4036\">Build a strong network of like-minded young leaders and mentors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4037\" data-end=\"4084\">\n<p data-start=\"4039\" data-end=\"4084\">Participate in impactful community projects<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4085\" data-end=\"4159\">\n<p data-start=\"4087\" data-end=\"4159\">Gain experience that strengthens your personal and professional growth<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4161\" data-end=\"4322\">For anyone seeking a platform to <strong data-start=\"4194\" data-end=\"4234\">make a difference in their community<\/strong>, this program provides the knowledge, support, and tools to turn passion into action.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4324\" data-end=\"4327\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4347\">How to Apply<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4349\" data-end=\"4599\">Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until <strong data-start=\"4397\" data-end=\"4418\">December 31, 2025<\/strong>, at midnight. Interested applicants can apply online via the <strong data-start=\"4480\" data-end=\"4509\">Young Invincibles website<\/strong>. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4601\" data-end=\"4604\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4606\" data-end=\"4635\">About Young Invincibles<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4637\" data-end=\"5037\">Founded in 2009, <strong data-start=\"4654\" data-end=\"4680\">Young Invincibles (YI)<\/strong> is a nonpartisan organization working to expand economic opportunity for young adults aged 18\u201334. YI\u2019s work focuses on four key areas: <strong data-start=\"4816\" data-end=\"4891\">healthcare, higher education, workforce readiness, and civic engagement<\/strong>. With regional offices across the United States, YI has become a national voice advocating for policies that improve the lives of young people.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5039\" data-end=\"5150\">YI is an <strong data-start=\"5048\" data-end=\"5078\">equal opportunity employer<\/strong> and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5152\" data-end=\"5252\">For more information and to apply, click <a href=\"https:\/\/younginvincibles.applytojob.com\/apply\/hq1SNBN2Bj\/Young-Advocates-Program-Houston-Texas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>HERE<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5152\" data-end=\"5252\">Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a> for more opportunities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Young Invincibles (YI), one of the nation\u2019s leading youth-driven organizations, has opened applications for its 2026 Young Advocates Program \u2014 a transformative leadership development initiative designed to empower young adults to drive meaningful change in their communities. If you are 18\u201334 years old and passionate about policy, advocacy, and organizing, this program offers an opportunity&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":66250,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,38],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-66247","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-america","8":"category-fellowship","9":"article","10":"","12":"has-excerpt","13":"has-avatar","14":"has-author","15":"has-nickname","16":"has-date","17":"has-comment-count","18":"has-category-meta","19":"has-read-more","20":"has-title","21":"has-post-media","22":"thumbnail-","23":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66247","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=66247"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66247\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/66250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=66247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=66247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=66247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}