Young Women's Advisory Council (YWAC) Application 2026-2027 Cohort

Who We’re Looking For:

We welcome applications from young women of color and gender-expansive youth of color (ages 14–22) who care about racial, gender, and economic justice. Whether you're an outspoken advocate, a quiet thinker, an artist, or an organizer—we believe your voice belongs at the table. You will earn $50 for every session you attend. 

What You’ll Do:

  • Use your voice to lead change on issues you care about
  • Help decide how to invest $20,000 in youth-led community solutions
  • Build real-world skills—from public speaking and advocacy to budgeting and wealth-building
  • Learn from local leaders, mentors, and guest speakers who reflect your community and values
  • Get ready for what’s next: Explore college and career paths with support and guidance
  • Create a Blueprint for Action to turn your ideas into impact
  • Connect with changemakers across the state and go on energizing field trips
Eligibility Requirements:
  • You must identify as a young woman or gender-expansive person of color between the ages of 14 -22 at the start of the program.
  • You must reside in or have close connections to (e.g., attended high school) New Bedford
  • You must be able to attend all meetings from October - June. We understand things come up and life happens, if you cannot make a meeting, please be in touch with us. 
Meeting Schedule:
  • October 8 & 22
  • November 12
  • December 3
  • January 14 & 28
  • February 11 & 25
  • March 11 & March 25
  • April 8 & April 22
  • May 13 & May 27
  • June 10 & June 24
Field Trips TBD
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Enter your first and last name. *
Enter your personal email address. *
Enter the best phone number to reach you.  *
Select your age. *
Do you live in New Bedford or have some other close connection to New Bedford (e.g., attend high school there)? *
Please explain your close connection to the city of New Bedford. *
Please select your gender identity.  *
Which option(s) best describe your racial identity? (Select all that apply) *
Required
How did you hear about the YWAC? (Select all that apply). *
Required
Please share why you want to join the YWAC and how you plan to use this experience to make an impact in your community. *
Please share the top 1-3 community or social justice issues in New Bedford that matter to you. *
To be selected for this program you must be able to attend two meetings per month, from October 2026 - June 2027. We do understand that there are life circumstances that may interrupt attendance. Do you agree that you are able to attend meetings? *
If you answered "unsure" to the previous question, please explain.
Please let us know if you need any accessibility accommodations or language interpretation during YWAC sessions. *
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you or consider with your application?
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