Apply for YouLEAD 2025

Spend 5 weeks in Minnesota, USA, developing leadership skills, deepening your knowledge of democratic values, and participating in a cultural exchange.

📅 Application Deadline: April 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Kyiv time)

Вітаємо!

YouLEAD stands for Youth Leadership Engagement and Development Program. YouLEAD 2025 is a month-long leadership program for Ukrainian youth in the United States.

We are delighted to announce that the YouLEAD 2025 Leadership Program is currently open for applications from Ukrainian participants!

The purpose of the YouLEAD 2025 Program is to participate in leadership development activities and continue the tradition of sharing views, culture, and learning from one another as we all continue to grow as individuals and leaders. 

Participants will be engaged in intensive learning, building relationships and creating partnerships with Minnesota youth and community organizations, local governments and schools, and the Minnesota Ukrainian community.

Reflections from former YouLEAD participants

  • “YouLEAD is a stepping stone to everything new; opportunities, connections, and a new understanding of yourself and the USA."

    Sonia Koliada

  • “This journey changed my life. It has given me new perspectives, unforgettable experiences, and hope for the future."

    Arina Belik

  • “This experience gave me confidence, new knowledge, and the determination to make a positive impact in my community."

    Mykhailo Dyshkant

  • “YouLEAD completely change my life! It gave me new perspectives, opportunities, friends, and unforgettable experiences."

    Dmytro Baran

How to Apply

There are three stages to the selection process:

  1. Application form

  2. Video submission

  3. Interview

Please include all of you extracurricular activities in your essay, including courses, training, volunteering, and personal achievements.

You can apply to the YouLEAD 2025 program even if you have applied in previous years and not been successful.

Results of the selection process will be announced May 1, 2025.

GET STARTED HERE

FAQs

What are the 2025 program dates?

Program Dates: August – September 2025 (Exact departure and arrival dates, as well as the date and country of visa issuance, will be communicated later to the program finalists).


How much does it cost?

YouLEAD is a need-based program, meaning that participants' financial circumstances are considered in the selection process. Financial support is available to all who need it. However, if a participant is able to cover part or the full cost of the program, they may do so by contributing up to $1500.

Who can apply?

Any Ukrainian youth aged 15-17 years old interested in developing leadership skills and actively engaged in their communities are welcome to apply.

You must have at least a basic level of English proficiency and be willing to complete the competition tasks and go through a three-stage selection process.

What is the application deadline?

📅 Application Period: March 8 – April 1, 2025
📅 Application Deadline: April 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Kyiv time)

Can I edit my application after submission?

You can edit your submission while filling it out, but not after submission.

What is the selection criteria and process?

There are three stages to the selection process:

  1. Application form

  2. Video submission

  3. Interview

We select applicants who demonstrate curiosity, leadership skills, impact within their communities, and a passion for volunteering.

Anna Gorb, YouLEAD alumni 2024

“YouLEAD is not just a program—it’s a turning point. In just a short time, it changed everything; my worldview, my dreams, and myself. I returned home to Ukraine not just inspired but empowered to act, lead, and make an impact in our country.”

Where are they now?

YouLEAD 2023 participants share their thoughts on the program and how it has inspired and changed them now they are back in Ukraine.