2027
Young Adult Advocate Program
JBAY's Young Adult Advocate Program prepares young adults who have experienced foster care or homelessness to become leaders, advocates, and changemakers.
ELIGIBLE YOUNG ADULTS
- Ages 18–27
- Experienced foster care or homelessness at age 13 or older
- Located in the Sacramento area
- Interested in learning about or advocating for policy change
THE PROGRAM
- One-year term with the option to extend to two
- Compensated $26 per hour plus reimbursement for travel and meal expenses
- Based on three-part leadership model
THREE-PART LEADERSHIP MODEL
The YAA Program combines leadership development, hands-on policy experience, and applied research to expose young people to careers in advocacy while advancing JBAY’s mission.
LEARN
Young Adult Advocates develop the skills and relationships needed for long-term leadership through:
- Mentorship from JBAY policy experts
- Job shadowing and exposure to nonprofit advocacy
- Leadership and professional development workshops
- Training in public speaking, communications, policy analysis, and advocacy
INFLUENCE
Young Adult Advocates help shape systems change by:
- Completing a collaborative policy capstone project
- Conducting research informed by lived experience
- Developing recommendations for policymakers and practitioners
- Presenting findings and strategic storytelling to local, state, and national stakeholders
LEAD
Young Adult Advocates may engage directly in the policymaking and implementation process by providing an on-the-ground perspective on how policy impacts young people:
- Testifying before the California Legislature at committee hearings
- Engaging with the media by authoring op-eds and speaking at press conferences, rallies, and public events
- Participating in policy workgroups, advisory bodies, and coalitions
- Supporting the development of youth-centered resources, trainings, and outreach materials
To spread the word, share this YAA Program Overview.
To learn more, contact the YAA Program’s coordinator, Cody Van Felden at [email protected].