DEADLINE EXTENDED - Apply for Freedom Fellowship by April 14th!

We are excited to announce our 2024 Freedom Fellowship Applications are open! The Freedom Fellowship is a paid 6-month leadership program for Black and Brown youth ages 14-17 from Chicago. It brings together 25 young people from across the city to explore issues of injustice, gain skills in leadership and activism, and gain experience taking action for racial justice.

From July 8-August 2, Fellows meet Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm to learn about healing and wellness, community-building, anti-oppression practices, leadership, historical social movements, and community organizing. Fellows will also go on an overnight healing retreat.

From September to December, Fellows will split into two cohorts and meet weekly to develop a Group Action Plan aimed at addressing injustice. The two cohorts are:

Arts in Activism (i.e. infusing art into an existing social justice campaign, curating an art show, or creating workshops that fuse art and social movements)

Fair & Just Schools (i.e. zero tolerance policies, homophobia in schools, school policy changes, etc)

With over 300 alumni over the last 17 years, the Freedom Fellowship is a transformational experience you will never forget!

ELIGIBILITY: Young people ages 14-17 from Chicago who identify as a person of color. Must be able to commit to all program components. Students in summer school are unable to participate in the Fellowship.

STIPEND: 2024 Fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend for their participation. They will receive the first $600 upon completion of the 4-week Summer Leadership Institute and the second payment of $400 in December 2024 upon completion of the group action plan. Public transportation, breakfast, lunch, and field trip costs are provided by CFS.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Youth interested in applying must submit an online application by Friday April 14, 2024.