In 2025, we invited teams from 6 rural communities across the U.S. and tribal nations to join the inaugural RYL cohort. Each rural community team consists of:

• 2 emerging leaders aged 18-24 who engage in creative arts and cultural traditions who will participate in the youth fellowship 

• 1 cultural steward committed to mentor the 2 youth leaders and accompany them in the fellowship

• 1 nominating organization that agrees to be a backbone of support for the youth leaders and steward as they pursue the fellowship and their local community project

The 2 emerging leaders from each rural community will join a youth cohort that journeys through the fellowship experience together.  The cultural stewards will accompany their 2 youth in the fellowship and build a peer cohort as well which will become the basis for building a broader national stewards network over time.

Through this inaugural RYL program, young people and stewards will receive:

• Leadership development grounded in creative arts and cultural traditions that build the skills and capacity to lead and uplift their communities

• Mentorship from program facilitators and stakeholders who share their passion for using creativity as a tool for change

• Funding including $2,500 stipends for each youth fellow and $10,000 to support the cultural steward and nominating organization

• Project guidance to initiate and implement a community-building project of their own design 

• National networks of peer support for both youth participants and cultural stewards 

• Opportunities to inform and influence narratives, policy agendas, strategies and power-building of stakeholder organizations and funding partners

• A great chance to make an impact as creative changemakers in their own community and nationally!

The inaugural RYL fellowship started in September, 2025 and concludes in July, 2026.  

Stay tuned for updates along the way!