Barbara Lee Youth Leadership Fund Scholarship
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).
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.
Applications are reviewed and approved on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. The final application deadline is Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026, 6pm PT. Scholarship Application form.
1) The UNA-USA Summits
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Leadership Summit | November 13-15, 2026, Houston, TX I Summit Info |
2) Why Attend?
Participants describe these national events as inspiring, life-changing, and unforgettable. Opportunities include:
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Building lasting friendships with youth, students, and community leaders from across the country
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Learning from human rights advocates and global changemakers
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Participating in interactive workshops and hands-on action projects
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Engaging in policy briefings, leadership training, and advocacy initiatives at Capitol Hill
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Gaining the skills, knowledge, and motivation to advance 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:
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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.
Award recipients must attend, in person, each day of the Summit and fully participate in all scheduled sessions and activities.
4) Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
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Be 16–25 years old and reside in Alameda or Contra Costa County, CA
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Be a member of the UNA East Bay or UNA UC Berkeley (membership info)
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Demonstrate interest in the United Nations and UNA through a UN initiative, human rights advocacy, global issues, or the Sustainable Development Goals
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Show active community engagement through leadership and/or volunteer work.
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Demonstrate interest in the United Nations and UNA through a UN initiative, human rights advocacy, global issues, or the Sustainable Development Goals
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Show active community engagement through leadership and/or volunteer service
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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Register to attend the Leadership Summit.
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.
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Your interest in attending the Summit and how it will benefit you, your school, or community
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The work of the UN and UNA-USA, 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 served in a leadership role
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Any UNA East Bay or UNA UC Berkeley events and meetings you have attended either, in person or online.
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Note: Application for Scholarship is due Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026,6pm PT. Scholarship application form.
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During the Summit
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Attend in person all event days of scheduled sessions and activities.
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 at UNA East Bay Chapter, UNA UC Berkeley, your school and/or your community.
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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!
6) Timeline
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Applications, interviews, and award selections are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration and earlier notification of results. The final application deadline is Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026, 6pm PT. Scholarship Application form.
We invite you to apply and step into leadership! Connect with national youth leaders and multigenerational changemakers to create a better, more sustainable world!
7) Questions
Kent Wegener
Director of UNA-USA East Bay
Chair, Youth Fund Scholarship Committee
KentWegener@gmail.com
8) Helpful resources
