YOUTH-LED CIVIC EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP

At and beyond the ballot box

Through free, cohort-based programs, stipends, and paid leadership opportunities, YVote equips young people to understand civic systems, take action on the issues they care about, and lead change—at and beyond the ballot box.

We equip young people ✊ to channel their passions into positive action 🗳️ — at and beyond the ballot box.
We equip young people ✊ to channel their passions into positive action 🗳️ — at and beyond the ballot box.

WHY YVOTE

The Momentum Is Real. The Work Is Not Finished.

Young people from historically under-resourced communities are too often excluded from civic learning and leadership opportunities—not because they lack interest or ability, but because access has never been equitable.

 

In 2025, turnout among New York City voters ages 18–29 reached 41.9%—more than triple the 11.1% youth-turnout rate recorded in 2021. Yet participation and access remained uneven across communities.

 

One election does not create a lasting civic leadership pipeline. YVote builds that pathway through Democracy Camp, Changemakers Institute, Civic Fellowship, Facilitator Training Program, and Media Labs.

 

Source: New York City Campaign Finance Board, 2025 Voter Analysis Report.

THE YVOTE LEADERSHIP PIPELINE

Young People Move From Learning to Leading

1

Democracy Camp

Build foundational civic knowledge and develop a personal vision for change.

Learn
2

Changemakers Institute

Investigate community issues, analyze systems, and develop informed solutions.

Explore
3

Civic Fellowship

Engage different perspectives and collaborate with young people across communities.

Practice
4

Facilitator Training Program

Prepare to step into paid leadership roles supporting programs and leading peers.

Lead

Connected Across the Pipeline

Create podcasts, articles, social media, video, and other youth-led civic content at different stages of the leadership journey.

GET INVOLVED

Choose Your Path

Students

Build your civic knowledge, take action on issues you care about, and grow as a leader.

Explore Student Opportunities

Schools & Educators

Bring youth-led civic learning, leadership development, and real-world action to your school community.

Bring YVote to Your School

Partners

Collaborate with YVote to expand civic learning, create youth opportunities, and strengthen community impact.

Partner With YVote

Supporters & Donors

Help keep programs free, fund youth stipends, and create paid leadership opportunities.

Support YVote

Youth Leadership in Action

OUR IMPACT

2,500+

Students served since 2017

165

Young people directly served during 2025–2026

882

Youth program touchpoints during 2025–2026

50+

Young people serving annually in paid leadership roles

Current-year figures reflect YVote’s 2025–2026 Annual Impact Report.

View Our Impact

Invest in the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

Civic Giving Circle

Civic Giving Circle members provide reliable monthly support that keeps YVote programs free, funds youth stipends and paid leadership opportunities, and helps young people move from learning to leading.