Bridges

Social Change Fellowship

The Youth Action Center Fellowship is designed for youth who want to build on their Bridge Builders experience by creating social change projects in the community. Those selected in the spring will attend an initial Leadership Institute training and work for six months to a year to complete their project.

A young protester speaking into a megaphone during a street demonstration, with other participants and buildings in the background.

The Bridges Youth Action Center Fellowship is designed for youth who want to build on their Bridge Builders experience by creating social change projects in the community. Those selected in the spring will attend an initial Leadership Institute training and work for six months to a year to complete their project.

What to Expect

Apply & Pitch (March-May): Youth with a passion for social justice can apply and propose their own projects. Fellows will be selected in May. And at the end of May, participate in an 8-hour training to orient them to their YAC Social Change Fellowship.
Summer Fellowship & Project Development (June–July): Fellows work 10 hours per week at $15/hr on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11-5 pm @ BRIDGES. This time will be used to independently develop their projects with support from an adult and youth advisor team. Fellows will complete a Project Launch Workbook to support them in launching their project by August.
Ongoing Support (August–December): After the summer, fellows continue to work to implement their project. They will have in-person coaching/support meetings in October and receive a $200 stipend.‍
Winter Celebration Showcase (December): Fellows present their completed projects to the community and receive their final $200 stipend as a fellow.

Why Join

Gain Leadership & Project Management Experience
Earn a Stipend for Your Work.
Create Real Community Impact
Work with Experienced Mentors & Advisors
Join a Network of Young Changemakers

Impact

For the BRIDGES neighbor-based projects (North Memphis/Uptown), we will have start-up funds available!
Projects:
- Opportunity Bridge 901
  - Multiple news articles
  - Winner of the NCRM Freedom Award
  - 10 ambassadors
- Youth Minds United
  - Multiple news articles
  - 15 protests
  - Viral Videos
- Collierville Housing Accessibility Initiative
  - Recognized by the Collierville NAACP chapter

View Our Impact Reports

Every student counts.

Young people are born with creativity and passion to lead. BRIDGES has worked with thousands of students to unlock that potential and activate new generations of leaders across Memphis.

Support our work

*Data from 2023 - 2025