2026 CNAY Fellowship Cohort Application Open!

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is excited to announce that applications for the 2026 CNAY Fellowship cohorts are now open! They are accepting applications for Brave Heart, Remembering Our Sisters and the California Native Youth Collective through January 14.

What is the CNAY Fellowship?
A program for aspiring Native youth leaders (18-24) looking to make an impact in their communities. CNAY provides tailored leadership & advocacy trainings, unique opportunities for intergenerational education & knowledge sharing, and funding to complete a community action project of Fellows’ choosing.

CNAY supports youth-led change through promotion of policy change and a culturally-grounded curriculum – inclusive of trainings pertaining to sovereignty & governance, financial literacy, media and more. While all 2026 Fellows will engage in shared, core programming, the bulk of their fellowship will be divided into three distinct cohorts, each focused on a different issue area: Brave Heart, Remembering Our Sisters & CA Native Youth Collective (learn more below).

How Can I Apply?
If you know someone who might make a good candidate, send them to the CNAY website to learn more & apply!

To be considered, self-identified Native & Indigenous youth* must respond to two short answer questions and submit a video response for the cohort you are applying for. Applicants must submit their materials via the 2024 CNAY Fellowship Application no later than January 14, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.
*Ages 18-24, living in the United States. See additional eligibility requirements for each cohort in the descriptions below.