NextWave Leadership Program
Ends on
Supporting the Next Generation of Justice Leaders
The NextWave Leadership Program is Canary Impact’s youth-focused initiative, designed to support justice-involved leaders aged 18-25. This program addresses the unique challenges faced by young people disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and community needed to transform their experiences into leadership and advocacy.
NextWave is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for a new generation of changemakers, ready to challenge systemic inequities and reshape the future. By providing these emerging leaders with the skills and resources to overcome barriers, Canary Impact inspires a movement of resilience, innovation, and transformation.
What Makes NextWave Unique
- Targeted Support for Youth
Tailored to the needs of young leaders, the program offers mentorship and resources designed to address the challenges of reentry, systemic inequities, and generational trauma. - Investing in People, Not Just Projects
NextWave prioritizes individual growth and leadership journeys, creating accessible pathways to success for bold thinkers and fresh innovators. - Catalyzing Systemic Change
By supporting youth leaders, the program sparks innovative solutions that challenge the root causes of mass incarceration and drive progress toward decarceration and equity.
Program Highlights
- $10,000 Financial Investment
Each program participant receives a financial award to support their leadership journey, whether through education, advocacy, or community-focused initiatives.
- Comprehensive Leadership Development
Program participants engage in a structured curriculum that fosters personal growth, professional skills, and a deeper understanding of systemic reform.
- Cohort Connection
Participants join a vibrant community of peers, building a supportive network that encourages collaboration, shared learning, and collective action.
- Capacity Building for Long-Term Success
Training and mentorship empower participants with practical skills in effective communication, resilience, and leadership, preparing them to overcome systemic barriers and achieve meaningful change.
The Journey
The NextWave Leadership Program is rooted in the belief that young people with lived experience of the criminal legal system hold the power to create transformative change. Throughout the year, program participants are immersed in a nurturing environment of mentorship, training, and collaboration, unlocking their potential and preparing them to lead initiatives that challenge the status quo.
Guided by experienced mentors from the social justice community, program participants gain valuable insights into advocacy, justice reform, and leadership. They emerge as transformative leaders, ready to inspire change and create lasting impact in their communities.
Eligibility
To apply for the NextWave Leadership Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 18 to 25.
- Have a history of incarceration.
- Have an innovative idea that will lead to systemic change
- Reside in the U.S. and focus their work within U.S. communities.
- Propose work that excludes lobbying activities.
- Not have previously received Canary Impact’s 10-for-10 Program (formerly known as the Canary Impact Prize)
- Please note that priority will be given to those who have not received funding. *
Timeline
- February 28th – Round One Application Opens
- March 7th – Webinar at 3 PM EST
- April 18th – Round One Application Closes
- May 12th – INVITE ONLY: Round Two Application Opens
- May 30th – Round Two Application Closes
- June 18th – Winners notified
- June 27th – Public Announcement
- July 1st – Program Begins
- January – In-Person gathering
IMPORTANT: Please review the linked Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Webinar.
Note: If you have already received one of the prestigious awards in our sector, such as the David Prize, Galaxy Gives Fellowship, Soros Fellowship, or MacArthur Award, we're proud of you. However, Canary Impact seeks to support leaders who have not yet achieved that level of success and recognition.
We do not have a specific word count and encourage all applicants to provide the most detail to the best of their ability. We recommend drafting and editing your ideas somewhere else (on paper or in Google Docs) before submitting your responses. The reviewers need to understand your idea, so we encourage you to have a friend or colleague read your responses before submission.