General Info -

Young Voices is seeking applicants for our Opportunity Fellowship. This fellowship is open to all current senior contributors and alumni in the Young Voices network. 

The fellowship will last four months, running from September 1st through December 31st.

Fellows will be expected to produce two original stories on the topics described below. They will be paid a $2,500 honoraria at the conclusion of the fellowship. 

The first piece of original reporting must be submitted to the editors by October 15th.

The second piece of original reporting must be submitted by December 1st.

Fellows will be expected to create two pieces of original reporting centered around social mobility and economic opportunity throughout the fellowship. 

Fellows will be expected to attend a two day in-person Opportunity Summit in DC which will take place September 9th - 11th. Travel and accommodation for traveling fellows will be covered.

In addition, Young Voices will arrange two virtual briefings from experts in poverty alleviation and entrepreneurial freedom that fellows will be expected to attend. There will also be two virtual hivemind sessions that fellows will be expected to attend to give updates on their stories; to share their successes; and to troubleshoot any issues they may be having in developing their stories. 

Subject matter:

The Fellowship will investigate Gen Z's access to the American Dream in the 21st century. Fellows will investigate how public policy, entrepreneurship, technology, culture, and community shape upward mobility — and what it will take to restore the American Dream for the next generation. The most successful stories in this fellowship will be those that put flesh and bones on these policy issues, exploring the real stories of people living closest to the struggle. This fellowship will primarily focused on these issue areas specifically:

• Can Gen Z still climb the economic ladder? What policies and innovations best help people escape poverty and achieve upward mobility?

• Can young Americans afford a place of their own? Investigate why housing has become out of reach—and what reforms could make ownership and independence possible again.

• Will AI expand opportunity or narrow it? Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.

• Can young families thrive? Examine how economic incentives, housing, work, and public policy influence family formation and declining birthrates.

• Why does community matter for economic success? Investigate how social capital, civic institutions, and entrepreneurship create pathways to opportunity.

• What stands between young entrepreneurs and success? Report on how regulation, licensing, and barriers to entry affect innovation and social mobility.

If you're interested, please complete the application by 11:59pm EST on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. All fellows will be selected and notified no later than Friday, August 14, 2026.

Anyone interested in social welfare, regulation, entrepreneurship, or economic opportunity should highly consider this fellowship. Inquiries should be directed to Program Manager Caleb Franz at caleb@joinyv.org.