Champions for Change Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Champions for Change?
A1. The Champions for Change (CFC) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from across Indian Country. The program, inspired by a 2011 White House initiative, develops young Native leaders through experience-based learning and tailored advocacy training. Each year, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) selects five inspirational youth to join the CFC leadership network.
Q2. Who can apply for Champions for Change?
A2. Youth who:
- Self-identify as Native or Indigenous;
- Are between the ages of 14 and 24 years old on January 1, 2026; and
- Currently resides in the United States.
Q3. How do I know if I’m a Champion for Change?
A3. You’re a Champion for Change if you’re 14-24 and want to better your community. This can be through your school, community program on your reservation or within your urban community – anywhere you see an opportunity to positively impact your people. Champions aspire to obtain skills to support their work, connect with other youth leaders and receive resources through CNAY. Applicants do not need to have prior recognition or training completed.
Questions? Email Katy Stewart at katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org.
Q4. When is the application period?
A4. Applications open on September 23, 2025. The deadline to submit your application is October 27, 2025 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time.
Q5. What is the application process like?
A5. The application includes three parts:
- One application;
- One Peer Reference Letter; and
- One Professional Reference Letter (age 25 +)
Q6. How do I complete my application?
A6. You will not be able to save and return to this form. We recommend typing responses in a word processing document first and then pasting into the form once you are ready to submit. Please note: you must have all application materials ready in order to submit your application. This includes: your short essay responses, 1 peer letter of recommendation and adult recommendation.
Q7. I’m under 18, do I need guardian consent?
A7. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent, guardian or legal representative provide their electronic signature and contact information on the Champions for Change Application. If you are under 18 and selected for a phone interview, your guardian is required to participate on the call.
Q8. Who should be my recommenders?
A8. You are required to submit two letters of reference: one Professional Reference Letter and one Peer Reference Letter.
Professional Reference Letter: This should be written by someone over 25 who has worked closely with the applicant (ie a Tribal leader, professor, mentor, teacher or supervisor). The letter should highlight the applicant’s professional achievements or contributions, personal qualities that make them an exceptional candidate, and any other relevant stories or details.
Peer Reference Letter: This should describe your relationship with the applicant and explain why they should be selected as a 2026 Champion for Change. Include personal qualities that make them stand out, examples from their leadership journey, and specific details that demonstrate why they are a strong candidate.
Q9. What should my reference letters include?
Please note that the Youth and Adult letter of recommendation should not exceed 500 words and should be single spaced fitting on one page. Focus on highlighting the most relevant qualities, achievements, and examples to create a concise and impactful letter.
Q10. I’m a young person with a disability. Will CNAY make accommodations?
A9. Yes! We’re able to make any accommodation necessary. If you’d like to connect with a team member prior to submitting your application to learn more, or to seek assistance submitting your application, please reach out to Katy Stewart at katy.stewart@aspeninstitute.org or call (802) 922-2040.
Q11. I’ve submitted all my application materials, what’s next?
A10. You will receive an email confirming your submission. From there, CNAY begins an extensive review process with external and internal parties. The external review is composed of professionals and representatives from tribal communities around the country. The internal review is completed by CNAY staff.
CNAY will then reach out to those chosen for the next round to schedule a Zoom interview. Following Zoom interviews, six final Champions for Change will be notified before December 31, 2025.
Q12. What are the obligations for my year as a Champion for Change?
A11. Champions for Change will spend their year receiving support and resources for their work. Champions will be flown to Washington, DC in February 2026 for a series of recognition events and trainings. They will also meet with their respective members of Congress. Champions will serve on the Youth Advisory Board and guide CNAY’s programming. They will have the opportunity to travel and speak on behalf of CNAY as Champions for Change.
Throughout the year, Champions are required to be in good communication with CNAY staff. This comes in the form of emails, group check-ins and survey completions. In addition, CNAY strives to provide various platforms for all Champions, including conferences, media placements and panel events to highlight their work.
Q13. Are there rules and guidelines while being a Champion for Change?
A12. Champions for Change represent the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, as well as their communities. Please review the Code of Conduct to clarify expectations of all youth leaders within the CNAY network, including the Champions for Change.