08/19/2026
🚨 ILLINOIS — APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! 🚨
Alianza for Opportunity is bringing our Alianza Leadership Program to Illinois! 🌱
We’re looking for young people ages 18–25 who have been impacted by the justice system and are ready to strengthen their leadership, build community, and turn their lived experiences into power.
Our Leadership Program is built on a simple belief: young people closest to the challenges facing our communities should have the tools, relationships, and opportunities to lead the solutions.
Over six weeks, participants will come together with other young leaders to explore:
✨ Leadership and identity
🧡 Healing and wellness
✊🏽 Power, systems, and advocacy
🗣️ Storytelling and using your voice
🤝 Community building and collective action
🌱 Turning lived experience into leadership
This isn’t about asking young people to leave their experiences at the door. It’s about recognizing those experiences as knowledge, expertise, and a foundation for leadership.
After successful cohorts in New York City, we’re excited to bring this work to Illinois and continue building a growing network of young leaders committed to creating change in their communities.
📍 Illinois
💻 Virtual sessions + in-person celebration
💰 $500 stipend for participants
📅 Applications close August 21, 2026
If you’re 18–25 and have been impacted by the justice system — or you know a young person who should be in this space — apply or share this opportunity with them (LINK IN BIO).
We’re building more than a leadership program. We’re building a community of young people who know that their experiences don’t limit their leadership — they can help shape it. 💚
YouthJustice LeadershipDevelopment LivedExperience HealingJustice
