Youth Organizing Fellowship

A leadership program centering youth with disabilities to lead change in their schools and communities.
Learn. Organize. Make Change.

About the Fellowship

​
​The Youth Organizing Fellowship is a 2-year leadership and civic engagement program for middle school students with disabilities (ages 11–13 at the time of application) living in King County. This is a program by and for youth with disabilities focused on identity, rights, and advocacy.

We support youth in becoming confident leaders, building community, and making real change.

🗓️ Program Dates:
December 2025 – November 2027

​💸 Stipend:
Fellows can receive up to $50 per meeting or activity
​
​Fellows will:
  • Learn about disability identity and civil rights
  • Explore community issues impacting youth with disabilities
  • Co-create a curriculum to empower other youth with disabilities
  • Connect with mentors, guest speakers, and peers
  • Earn stipends for participation
This program receives funding from the King County Best Starts for Kids

Who Can Apply?


​We welcome students with disabilities from all backgrounds.

​You are eligible if you:
  • Are 11–13 years old (at the time of application)
  • Live in King County, Washington
  • Identify as a person with a disability
  • Want to grow your leadership, advocacy, and organizing skills

​Support and accommodations are provided. We are committed to accessibility.

What You Will Do

Year 1
  • Build leadership and advocacy skills
  • Explore topics like disability rights, anti-racism, civil rights, and advocacy
  • Participate in a youth-led listening tour to hear from your community
Year 2
  • Co-create a “Know Your Rights & Empowerment” curriculum
  • Teach your peers and present your work in your community
  • Build a group of strong youth advocates​​

How to Apply


​You can apply by:
​If you need accommodations or help with the application, reach out — we are here for you.
IMPORTANT DATES:

🗓️ Applications Due: November 1, 2025

🎉 Invitations Sent: By November 21, 2025
​
📍 Kickoff Meeting: December 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM

MEET OUR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

My name is Anita (she/her), and I am the Youth Engagement Program Manager for the Fellowship. I will be your main point of contact and a mentor throughout the program. I am here to support you, answer questions, and cheer you on as you grow your leadership. I am an Asian Indian woman, and I am a disabled person. I use a wheelchair and have learning disabilities. You can reach me at [email protected].

I am excited to read your applications and choose our first group of Youth Fellows!

Your Privacy Matters

We respect and protect your privacy and we will keep the information you share in your application private. It will only be used to help us choose who will be part of the Youth Organizing Fellowship.  We will share some of your answers with our trusted partner, King County Best Starts for Kids, because they help support and fund this program. We will not share your name or personal information with the public, and we won’t use your information for anything else without asking you.

If you or your parent/guardian have questions, you can always email us at [email protected]
Roots of Inclusion
​P.O. Box 6784
​Bellevue, WA.  98008
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