YDI Policy Ademcy Academy
Overview
The Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) Policy Academy is a paid seasonal, cohort-based fellowship designed to prepare the next generation of policy leaders. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and civic training, participants gain the skills to analyze policy, advocate for change, and step into governance roles.
Program Format
The Academy offers three seasonal cohorts during the year:
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Fall Cohort (October–December)
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Winter Cohort (January–April)
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Summer Cohort (May–August)
Participant Highlights
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Paid Internship: Participants receive a stipend to ensure equity and accessibility.
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Cohort-Based Learning: Small, supportive groups of 15–20 peers.
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Policy Training: Core curriculum on policy analysis, legislative process, and advocacy.
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Field Experience: Direct exposure to policymakers, advocacy organizations, and community boards.
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Mentorship: Guidance from experienced policy professionals and near-peer mentors.
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Capstone Project: Each participant designs and presents a policy proposal addressing a real-world issue.
Who Should Apply
The Policy Academy is open to young adults ages 19–24 who are:
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College students, recent graduates, or workforce entrants.
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Passionate about civic leadership, government, and advocacy.
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Interested in careers in public policy, law, nonprofit leadership, or government service.
No previous experience is needed—just a passion for leadership and a commitment to showing up.
Why It Matters
Young leaders often face barriers to entering the policy field due to unpaid internships and limited access. The YDI Policy Academy ensures that talented, diverse young people are compensated and supported while they learn to shape policies that affect their communities.
How You Can Help
The launch of the Policy Academy depends on support from funders, donors, and partners. By sponsoring a cohort or student, you can:
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Provide stipends for participants.
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Cover program materials and field trip costs.
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Support mentorship and training from experienced policy leaders.
Seasonal Cohorts: One Mission, Three Paths to Leadership
ELA is hosted at schools, community centers, and youth-serving organizations. Each five-week series is tailored to meet the needs of the students and community partners at that location.
Fellows learn how government works at local, state, and federal levels, gaining core skills in policy analysis and civic leadership.
Fall
Policy Foundations
Winter/Spring
Fellows dive into advocacy strategies, coalition building, and civic campaigns—working alongside community partners to influence change.
Advocacy in Action
Summer
Fellows put their skills into action through field experiences, mentorship, and capstone projects presented to policymakers and community leaders.
Capstone Leadership