Canary Impact is looking to identify and actively engage three justice-involved young individuals to play a critical role in the development of the NYC Future Forward program. Selected participants will collaborate closely with program facilitators to ensure that the curriculum is grounded in real-life experiences, addressing the unique challenges faced by justice-involved youth.

Applications will be accepted until July 21st, 2025, at 5 PM. 

Interviews will be taking place on the week of July 23rd, 2025 

Decisions made by August 4th, 2025
 

Responsibilities: 

• Curriculum Co-Creation: Work alongside program staff to provide feedback on the curriculum that is relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of justice-involved youth.
• Lived Experience Integration: Share insights and perspectives to shape program content that authentically represents the challenges, aspirations, and strengths of young people with similar experiences.
• Participant Selection: Actively contribute to the recruitment and selection of program participants, ensuring a diverse and supportive cohort.
• Leadership & Advocacy: Serve as a peer leader and advocate for justice-involved youth, fostering a sense of community and support within the program.
   

Requirements: 

• Must be a young person between the ages of 18 to 25 with lived experience in the youth legal system
• Must be a formerly incarcerated person (Canary Impact defines formerly incarcerated persons as any person who has been in a carceral system. Examples of carceral systems include prisons, immigration detention centers, local jails, arrest, parole, probation, and juvenile detention centers.)
• Must live in New York City (Primary residence is in one of the five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island)
• Must have some experience and understanding of grant making, grant process, and grant resources. 
• Must be available to work up to 12 hours per month from August 11th, 2025 to December 11th, 2025. 
• Must be available to meet twice a month in-person in our Manhattan space
• Demonstrates a commitment to personal growth, leadership, and community engagement.
• Willingness to collaborate and contribute ideas in a team setting.

Benefits of Participation: 

• Earn $70 per hour for up to 12 hours per month, for a duration of 4 months.
• Opportunity to shape a meaningful program that directly impacts peers.
• Leadership development and professional skill-building.
• Connect with professionals, mentors, and peers who can provide guidance and support.
• Gain valuable experience in program design, advocacy, and decision-making

* This is not a traditional job. Selected participants will be engaged as independent consultants for this grant making opportunity. As consultants, they will receive compensation for their time.