Hey
Change-Makers! Are you between the ages of 16-24 and ready to shake things up
in your
community? Apply to the UP Leaders of Tomorrow Fellowship Program and
become a
force for change in Bexar County!
The UP Leaders of Tomorrow Fellowship is
designed for young people in Bexar County who want to better understand how
decisions are made and how to influence them. You don’t need prior experience
in civic leadership, policy, or advocacy. You just need curiosity, commitment,
and a desire to make things better for yourself and your community.
- Deadline to Apply: July 31,
2026
- Interviews
& Selection: August 10-19, 2026
- Fellows Selected & Announced: August 21,
2026
- Fellowship Orientation & Kickoff
Celebration: August 27, 2026
- Programming Timeline:
September 2026-May 2027
- Required Meeting Dates: Schedule Here
Who is UP Partnership?
Our goal at UP Partnership is to ensure
all young people across Bexar County are ready for the future. One strategy is to push for
policies that break down barriers, helping kids and young people reach their
full potential. A big part of this is supporting young leaders to advocate for
change, drive policy initiatives, and shape the future of our region, ensuring
their voices are heard and their experiences inform decisions.
What is the UP Leaders of Tomorrow
Fellowship Program?
This is a 9-month, paid fellowship
(September-May) where you’ll learn how systems like schools, city government,
and state policy actually work and how to advocate for change. Through hands-on
learning, group discussions, and real-world experiences, you will:
- Build your confidence as a civic leader
- Learn how to speak up about issues that
matter to you
- Understand how decisions are made—and
how to influence them
- Work alongside other young people who
care about making a difference
This program is especially for young
people who have experienced challenges in education, access, or opportunity—and
want to be part of creating solutions.
The Commitment
Commit to at least 5-8 hours a month of programming which
includes:
- One Tuesday virtual meeting a month (1 hour)
- One Saturday in-person meeting a month (4 hours)
- Additional
optional experiences (such as community events, civic meetings, or youth-led
activities) will be offered throughout the fellowship.
- Attendance Policy: Must attend at least 80% of meetings with the opportunity to
make-up hours as needed
Why Apply?
- Training,
Mentorship, & Experiential Learning: Gain
real skills in leadership, civic engagement, policy, and advocacy—no prior
experience needed.
- $2,500 Stipend: All fellows receive a stipend to support their
participation (total of $2,500). Stipend will be broken into three payments:
September ($500), December ($1000), and May ($1000).
- Amplifying
Voices, Shaping Change: Share your experiences, ideas, and
perspectives—and help shape real conversations and decisions in your community.
- Continue
Your Leadership Journey: Build the skills, confidence, and connections
to stay engaged in your community beyond the fellowship.
Who Should Apply?
Young people ages 16–24 who live, work,
or go to school in Bexar County. We especially encourage you to apply if:
- You’ve ever felt like decisions are made
without your voice
- You care about issues in your school or
community
- You’re curious about how change happens
- You haven’t always had access to
leadership or civic opportunities
You don’t need to have all the
answers—just a willingness to learn and show up.
Apply Now!
This isn't just a program—it's your
launchpad into meaningful leadership roles that make a difference. Are you in?
If so, fill out the application below.
Applications are due Friday, July 31, at 11:59 PM CT.
Questions?
Contact Andrea Ramirez, Youth Leadership Manager, at andrea@uppartnership.org
