Fall 2026 Young Advocates Program - Houston, TX

Program Overview

The Young Advocates Program is open to young adults ages 18–34 living in or attending school in one of our regional states: California, Colorado, or Texas.

• Weekly meetings to help lead organizing campaigns focused on higher education, healthcare access, worker justice, and civic engagement.
• Drive projects such as developing policy priorities, organizing and supporting statewide conferences and community events, leading voter engagement efforts, promoting healthcare enrollment campaigns, creating digital content, and recruiting and mobilizing other young adults to take action in their communities.

Compensation

• Advocates are paid hourly for training and project work, averaging 6–10 hours per week.
• State Hourly Pay Rate:
  • California: $18.42
  • Colorado: $19.29
  • Texas: $15.00

Applicants Must:

• Must be 18 or older and eligible/authorized to work in the United States
• Be available and committed to the entirety of the program.
• Align with YI’s mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstrate passion or interest in higher education, healthcare, and workforce issues.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exhibit professionalism, maturity, and initiative.
• Be creative, flexible, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Have access to a laptop and WiFi to participate in virtual sessions.

Application Process

• Must be available to attend Orientation (September 18, 2026) and Program Close (December 11, 2026) in person
• Must attend in-person events such as Policy Shark Tank, State of Young California, and community outreach
• Must attend weekly work sessions with cameras on (no exceptions)
• Must be able to attend in person meetings twice a month

Contact Information

Applications close July 17, 2026, at midnight eastern time. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.