Canary Impact is looking to identify and actively engage three justice-involved young individuals to play a critical role in the development of the NextWave Leadership program. Selected participants will collaborate closely with program facilitators to ensure the curriculum is grounded in real-life experience and address the unique challenges faced by justice-involved youth.

Timeline:

• Applications will be accepted until Friday, June. 12th, 2026 at 8 PM. 
• Interviews will be taking place from June 8th to June 16th, 2026.
• This consulting position will run from June 22nd to December 21st, 2026.

Requirements: 

• Must be based in New York City
• Must be a young person between the ages of 18 to 25 with lived expertise in the youth legal system.
• 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 June 22nd, 2026, to December 21st, 2026.
• This is a hybrid consulting opportunity. Participants will be expected to participate in virtual meetings and occasional in-person meetings, gatherings, or program-related activities in New York City.
• Demonstrates a commitment to personal growth, leadership, and community engagement.
• Willingness to collaborate and contribute ideas in a team setting.

Responsibilities: 

• Leadership & Advocacy: Serve as a peer leader and advocate for justice-involved youth while contributing to conversations around equity, leadership, systems change, and investment in impacted communities.
• Program Design & Development: Collaborate with Canary Impact staff to help shape and strengthen the overall participant experience, program structure, activities, and engagement strategies. 
• Selection Process & Application Review: Participate in reviewing applications, discussing finalist recommendations, and supporting a thoughtful and equitable participant selection process.
• Capacity Building & Participant Support: Provide encouragement, guidance, feedback, and occasional one-on-one support to program participants to help strengthen leadership development, project growth, engagement, and overall participant experience.
• Outreach & Recruitment Support: Assist in identifying outreach opportunities and strategies to help ensure diverse representation and accessibility within the applicant pool. 
• Strategic Feedback & Reflection: Provide ongoing feedback, recommendations, and reflections on program strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth

Benefits of Participation:

• Earn $70 per hour for up to 12 hours per month, for a duration of 4 to 6 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