Empowering Justice-Impacted Youth | NextWave Leadership Program

Empowering Justice-Impacted Youth: The NextWave Leadership Program

The NextWave Leadership Program, an initiative by Canary Impact, is a transformative opportunity designed to uplift young leaders aged 18 to 25 who have experienced the criminal legal system. This program provides essential support, mentorship, and financial investment to help these individuals turn their experiences into impactful leadership and advocacy efforts.

A Platform for Change

NextWave is more than just a leadership program—it is a movement aimed at empowering young changemakers to challenge systemic injustices and shape a more equitable future. By offering targeted mentorship and resources, the program equips participants with the tools they need to break barriers and drive meaningful social change.

What Sets NextWave Apart?

Tailored Support for Justice-Impacted Youth

This program specifically addresses the challenges faced by young individuals reintegrating into society, tackling systemic inequities and generational trauma through dedicated mentorship and skill-building opportunities.

Investing in Leaders, Not Just Projects

NextWave prioritizes personal growth, providing accessible pathways to success for innovative thinkers who are determined to make a difference.

Fostering Systemic Change

By empowering youth leaders, the program catalyzes transformative solutions that address the root causes of mass incarceration and work toward a more just and equitable society.

Program Highlights

$10,000 Financial Award: Each participant receives funding to support their leadership journey, including education, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives.
Comprehensive Leadership Development: A structured curriculum fosters personal growth, professional skill-building, and a deep understanding of systemic reform.
Community & Cohort Connection: Participants become part of a vibrant peer network, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and collective impact.
Capacity Building for Long-Term Success: Training and mentorship help participants develop essential skills in communication, resilience, and leadership, enabling them to navigate systemic challenges and create lasting change.

The NextWave Journey

At its core, the NextWave Leadership Program is founded on the belief that those directly impacted by the criminal legal system possess the power to drive transformative change. Throughout the program, participants receive mentorship, engage in skill-building training, and collaborate with experts in the social justice field.

Under the guidance of experienced mentors, participants refine their advocacy and leadership abilities, ultimately emerging as changemakers ready to challenge the status quo and inspire progress within their communities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NextWave Leadership Program, applicants must:

Be between the ages of 18 and 25
Have a history of incarceration
Present an innovative idea aimed at achieving systemic change
Reside in the U.S. and focus their work on U.S. communities
Ensure their proposed work does not involve lobbying activities
Have not previously received Canary Impact’s 10-for-10 Prize

Join the Movement

The NextWave Leadership Program is a unique opportunity for young justice-impacted individuals to transform their experiences into action, develop essential leadership skills, and create lasting social impact. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, consider applying and becoming part of this powerful initiative to drive systemic change.

Application Deadline: April 18, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply