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The JLYL program is a year-long fellowship that prepares college students for a future in community organizing and civic engagement. Throughout the course of the year, fellows engage their campus and local communities in human rights work through a robust capstone project. Fellows receive resources and support to ensure their success in the program, including access to comprehensive grassroots organizing workshops, 1:1 mentorship from RFK Human Rights staff, financial support, and access to an extensive network of human rights professionals, peers, and program alumni. By providing fellows with these resources, we aim to build their capacity and confidence to pursue careers as human rights defenders and enact positive and perpetual change in their communities.

Learn more about our current cohort of fellows, where they’re located, and what their capstone project consists of.


Whether you’re a seasoned youth activist or you’re building a club or student organization for the first time, these guides can help you harness your classmates’ collective energy to make real changes.

The JLYL program looks for highly motivated students who are interested in making a career out of organizing work.


Through the JLYL program, fellows will complete a year-long capstone project focused on learning practical organizing skills through collaboration and action.



Partners