​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 Leadership, Global Engagement, and Advocacy 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.
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Help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity for youth! Share the Call for Application flyer with schools, community centers, and local organizations.​ Apply here.
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1) The UNA-USA Summits
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Leadership Summit | November 14–16, 2025 | St. Louis, MO (event info)
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Global Engagement Summit | February 2026 | New York City (one day)
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Advocacy Summit | June 2026 | Washington, D.C. (two days).
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2) Why Attend?
Participants describe these national events as inspiring, life-changing, and unforgettable. Opportunities include:
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Building lasting friendships within a nationwide network of youth, students, and community leaders
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Learning from human rights advocates and global changemakers
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Engage in interactive workshops and hands-on action projects
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Participating in policy briefings, leadership training, and advocacy initiatives at Capitol Hill
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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 one of the Summits. Support includes:
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Full event registration fee
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Up to 50% reimbursement of airfare expenses
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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:
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Be 16–25 years old and reside in Alameda County or Contra Costa County in CA
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Be a member of the UNA East Bay Chapter or UNA UC Berkeley to qualify for the scholarship (membership info)
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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,
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Show active community engagement through leadership or volunteer work.
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Note:
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If you're under 18, you'll need parental consent to apply and attend the Summit
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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
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Submit your application here. Include a 150–350 word statement addressing:
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Your interest in attending the Summit
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The UN and UNA-USA's work or the Sustainable Development Goal(s) that inspire your commitment and contributions
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A school or community program where you have participated or held a leadership role
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Any UNA East Bay events or meetings you have attended either, in person or online.
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During the Summit
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Attend all event days of scheduled sessions and activities in person.
After the Summit
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Submit a 200-350 word reflection, within two weeks of the Summit, sharing:
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The connections, learning experiences, and new perspectives you gained
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How you plan to use these insights to make an impact in the UNA East Bay Chapter and your community.
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Present your reflection at the next UNA East Bay Board meeting, in person or virtually.
​​This is your chance to showcase what you’ve learned and inspire others!
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6) Timeline
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Application Due: September 23, 2025. Application form.
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Interviews: Late September 2025
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Award Recipients Announced: Early October 2025.
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We invite you to apply now 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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