More Than a Fellowship. A Movement.
SPI Youth is an 9-month fellowship for young leaders, ages 14–18—young women, trans, and gender expansive youth—ready to step into their power. Through feminist frameworks and hands-on policy learning, fellows sharpen their skills, build bold ideas, and connect with a network of peers and mentors who are shaping change. This is a space to grow, lead, and turn vision into action—together. LEARN MORE & APPLY
IN MEMORY OF SOFIA COLOSIMO
SPI Youth honors and remembers the life of Sofia Colosimo. With the love of her family and community, SPI Youth fellows are supported by memorial funds that carry Sofia’s flame. Her light shines through these young feminist leaders building a just and joyful world.
Key Dates
Applications Open
March 16, 2026
Application Deadline
April 16, 2026
Notifications Sent
May 2026
Summer Retreat
July 27–30, 2026
Who It’s For
- Young women, trans, and gender expansive youth
- California residents, ages 14–18
- Engaged in social justice work in their community
- Able to attend all program sessions
Who Should Apply
Young leaders who want to:
- Develop their unique leadership style
- Strengthen their voice through authentic storytelling
- Deepen their commitment to social justice
- Build relationships with a collaborative spirit
- Commit fully to the program experience
How the Fellowship Works
SPI Youth is a 9-month experience made up of two connected phases — an in-person retreat to launch the fellowship and a year of virtual learning to deepen it.
Phase 01 — In-Person Retreat
4 Days · Sonoma, CA · July 27–30, 2026
The fellowship kicks off with a four-day residential retreat in Sonoma, CA — a fully immersive experience where fellows build community, explore their leadership identities, and establish the foundation for the year ahead. Transportation, lodging, and meals are fully covered.
Phase 02 — Feminist Learning Lab
8 Virtual Sessions · October–May · 6pm PST
After the retreat, fellows continue through eight monthly virtual Feminist Learning Lab. Each 1.5-hour session connects fellows with SPI alumni, activists, and leaders across the Women’s Foundation California network — covering topics from gender justice and civic engagement to policy, community organizing, and self-care.
Between sessions, fellows engage through discussion posts, feedback surveys, and session readings.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- Storytelling: Through art, poetry, and narrative, fellows build advocacy skills and deepen their understanding of collective power.
- Professional Development: Authentic leadership, public comment, relationship building — tools you’ll carry for life.
- Wellness & Restoration: Healing practices, self care, and network collaboration.
- Community: Fellows join a statewide network of young feminists co-creating California’s intersectional feminist future.
- Certificate + Stipend: Earn an official SPI Youth Fellowship Certificate of Completion and a stipend upon finishing the program.
FAQ
No prior experience is required. SPI Youth is an entry-level, beginner-friendly program designed to meet you where you are and help you grow the leadership skills you already have.
The in-person retreat takes place in Sonoma, CA, July 27–30, 2026. The exact location will be shared with accepted fellows.
Yes — full attendance at the retreat is required. For the Feminist Learning Lab, fellows may not miss more than three sessions total. Fellows and their parent/guardian must also attend a mandatory one-hour virtual orientation before the program begins.
Yes. Transportation, lodging, and meals for the retreat are fully covered. Fellows travel together in small groups with a chaperone.
Yes! Fellows receive a stipend after successfully completing the program. Monthly stipend eligibility is also tied to participation in the Feminist Learning Lab.
We know that this moment in our country can feel frightening, especially for young people and families who are seeing news about immigration enforcement and violence affecting many of our communities. Our team takes this reality seriously and is actively thinking about how to protect fellows, maintain safe and confidential spaces, and ensure that every young person in our program is treated with dignity, care, and respect. All of our partners, mentors, and staff are carefully vetted and share our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for students.
Children and young people deserve to feel safe while they learn, create, and build community. We are paying close attention to the world around us and taking thoughtful precautions so that fellows—and their families—know they are supported and not alone.
Email miyanae@womensfoundca.org or call (323) 212-5387.