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​Barbara Lee Youth Leadership Fund Scholarship 

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Call for Application
 

The United Nations Association (UNA-USA) East Bay Chapter is excited to offer financial support for youth to attend the exciting UNA-USA Advocacy, Leadership and Global Engagement Summits! These events bring together leaders of all ages to connect, learn, and take action on today’s biggest challenges—from peace and human rights to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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The Barbara Lee Youth Leadership Fund 

UNA East Bay established this fund to honor former Representative and current Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a lifelong champion of youth leadership as well as a strong advocate of the UN and UNA-USA initiatives. The fund provides financial support for youth to attend UNA-USA national events. Scholarship application deadline: Friday, JUNE 5,  2026.

 

 

​​​​1) The UNA-USA Summits 
 

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2) Why Attend?

Participants describe these national events as inspiring, life-changing, and unforgettable. Opportunities include:

  • Building lasting friendships within a nationwide network of youth, students, and community leaders

  • Learning from human rights advocates and global changemakers

  • Engage in interactive workshops and hands-on action projects

  • Participating in policy briefings, leadership training, and advocacy initiatives at Capitol Hill

  • Gaining the tools, motivation, and skills to champion the UN’s mission and strengthen local impact

 
3) Scholarship

Award recipients will receive financial support, if needed, to attend a national Summit. Support includes:

  • Full event registration fee 

  • Up to 50% reimbursement of airfare expenses

  • Up to $300 toward housing, meals, and local transportation.

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Award recipients must attend, in person, each day of the Summit and fully participate in all scheduled sessions and activities.

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4) Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

  • Be 16–25 years old and reside in Alameda County or Contra Costa County in CA

  • Be a member of the UNA East Bay Chapter or UNA UC Berkeley to qualify for the scholarship (membership info) 

  • Demonstrate interest in the goals and work of the United Nations and UNA, such as a UN initiative, human rights advocacy, global challenge, or a Sustainable Development Goal,

  • Show active community engagement through leadership or volunteer work.

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Note: 

  • If you're under 18, you'll need parental consent to apply and attend the Summit

  • If you're 16, a parent or guardian must attend the Summit with you.

This ensures a safe and supported experience for all attendees.​


5) Requirements

Before the Summit

  • Submit your application to attend the Advocacy Summit by Monday, May 4, 2026.
    If accepted, you may then apply for a scholarship by meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a
    150–350 word statement that addresses the following:

    • A brief introduction of yourself.

    • Your interest in attending the Summit and how it will benefit you, your school, or community

    • The work of the UN and UNA-USA, or the Sustainable Development Goal(s) that inspire your commitment and contributions

    • A school or community program where you have participated or served in a leadership role

    • Any UNA East Bay or UNA UC Berkeley events and meetings you have attended either, in person or online.

    • Note: Application for Scholarship is due Friday JUNE 5, 2026. Application form.


During the Summit

  • Attend in person all event days of scheduled sessions and activities.
     

After the Summit

  • Submit a 200-350 word reflection, within two weeks of the Summit, sharing: 

    • The connections, learning experiences, and new perspectives you gained

    • How you plan to use these insights to make an impact at UNA East Bay Chapter, UNA UC Berkeley, your school and/or your community.

  • Present your reflection at the next UNA East Bay Board meeting, in person or virtually.

​​This is your opportunity to showcase what you’ve learned and inspire others!

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6) Timeline​

  • Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday, JUNE 5,  2026. Application form.

  • Applications, interviews, and award selections are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early for earlier consideration and notification of results.

We invite you to apply and step into leadership! Connect with national youth leaders and multigenerational changemakers to create a better, more sustainable world!

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7) Questions

Kent Wegener
Director of UNA-USA East Bay

Chair, Youth Fund Scholarship Committee
KentWegener@gmail.com

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8) Helpful resources​
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