The PAYA Youth Council Scholarship 2026 in USA is a paid leadership development opportunity exclusively for current and former youth apprentices. This program enables participants to collaborate on youth-led projects, build advocacy skills, and connect with peers nationwide, culminating in a summit in Washington, DC.
The scholarship is provided by the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA), a national initiative based at New America. PAYA works to expand high-quality youth apprenticeship opportunities across the United States through its network of partners.
Benefits of PAYA Youth Council Scholarship
- $1,650 stipend for participating in the program
- Travel expenses covered for the final summit in Washington, DC
- Accommodation support during the in-person summit
- Meals provided during program events
- Free leadership training and mentorship (no participation fee)
- Build connections with other youth apprentices from around the country
- Learn how to plan and lead monthly cohort meetings
- Receive mentoring from a Youth Council alumnus
- Occasionally participate in panels, interviews, focus groups, or other speaking opportunities on behalf of PAYA
Eligibility Criteria for PAYA Youth Council Scholarship
- At least 16 years old but not yet 24 as of June 1, 2026
- Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a youth apprenticeship program in the PAYA Network
- Able to travel to, attend, and actively participate in the in-person summit in Washington, DC, in June 2027
- Able to attend and actively participate in at least 10 out of 12 virtual meetings, held once a month on weekday evenings via Zoom for two hours (generally 6-8 pm Eastern time) from June 2026 through July 2027
How to Apply for PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
- Complete a three-part application process by Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific time
- Click the ‘Click here to apply!’ button for detailed instructions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The PAYA Youth Council Scholarship 2026 empowers youth apprentices to lead advocacy projects, gain leadership and collaboration skills, and promote apprenticeship programs nationwide. Members receive a $1,600 stipend, mentorship, and travel support to Washington, DC for in-person engagement.
What is the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
The PAYA Youth Council Scholarship is a paid leadership development opportunity for current and former youth apprentices. It involves a year-long term where members collaborate on projects, develop advocacy skills, and participate in a summit in Washington, DC, with a $1,650 stipend provided.
Who is eligible to apply for the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
Applicants must be at least 16 years old but not yet 24 as of June 1, 2026, currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a youth apprenticeship program in the PAYA Network, able to travel to the DC summit in June 2027, and able to attend monthly virtual meetings from June 2026 through July 2027.
What are the benefits of the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
Benefits include a $1,650 stipend, a free trip to Washington, DC, for a summit, opportunities to build connections with other apprentices, develop leadership skills, receive mentoring, and participate in speaking engagements on behalf of PAYA.
What is the application deadline for the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
The deadline is Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific time. Only complete and on-time applications will be considered.
How do I apply for the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
You need to complete a three-part application process by the deadline. Click the ‘Click here to apply!’ button on the official page for detailed instructions and to access the application.
What qualities is PAYA looking for in applicants?
PAYA seeks applicants who are collaborative, enthusiastic, curious, respectful, and committed. No prior advocacy or leadership experience is necessary, but reliability and a willingness to learn are important.
What is the time commitment for the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
The commitment includes attending at least 10 out of 12 monthly virtual meetings (two hours each, generally 6-8 pm Eastern) from June 2026 through July 2027, working on projects, and attending the in-person summit in Washington, DC, in June 2027.
Who provides the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
The scholarship is provided by the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA), a national initiative based at New America that works to expand high-quality youth apprenticeship opportunities across the United States.
Is travel support provided for the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
Yes, PAYA covers travel expenses for each participant to attend the in-person summit in Washington, DC, in June 2027. For participants under 18 or in high school, travel expenses for one adult chaperone are also covered.
Where can I get more information or ask questions about the PAYA Youth Council Scholarship?
You can contact Lancy Downs via email at [email protected] or sign up to attend an information session on March 25 at 7:30 pm ET where PAYA staff and a current Council member will answer applicant questions.
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