The National Young Adult Leadership Council (NYALC), an initiative of the National Refugee Leadership and Lived Experiences Council program, has announced applications for its 2026 leadership development cohorts. The program offers young refugees and asylees a comprehensive platform to develop leadership skills while making tangible impacts in their communities.
NYALC provides robust leadership development opportunities specifically designed for refugees, asylees with granted asylum status, and all other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible populations. Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 24 years old and have lived in the United States for less than five years at the time of application.
The program operates under the broader NRLLEC initiative, led by Refugee Congress in partnership with Refugee Council USA, Every Campus A Refuge, Church World Service, and USA Hello. NRLLEC functions as a federal initiative of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement.
For the first time in 2026, NYALC will offer two separate cohorts tailored to different experience levels:
The emerging leaders cohort serves applicants with no previous leadership experience or less than six months in a leadership role within a community initiative. The experienced leaders cohort accommodates those who have at least six months of leadership experience in community initiatives.
Applicants will be placed into the appropriate cohort based on their application responses, ensuring that training and mentorship align with their current skill level and experience.
The 2026 Council Term spans 10 months, running from November 2025 through September 2026. Council Members from both cohorts will participate in a comprehensive leadership development experience that includes intensive virtual trainings, personalized mentorship, and practical application opportunities.
A highlight of the program is a three-day in-person gathering in Washington, D.C., scheduled for August 2026. This meeting allows Council Members to connect with peers, engage with program partners, and deepen their learning experience.
Throughout the term, participants will gain and strengthen skills in community leadership, civic engagement, narrative development, and public speaking. Council Members will also have the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the Office of Refugee Resettlement and newcomer service providers through various writing and speaking platforms.
A cornerstone of the NYALC experience involves designing and implementing a community project. Council Members receive ongoing guidance and support as they apply their newly developed leadership skills to create positive change in their local communities. These projects allow participants to translate theoretical knowledge into practical action while addressing real needs within their neighborhoods.
Applications for both 2026 NYALC cohorts will be accepted through Monday, November 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. All submissions must be completed directly through the program website.
The application includes several components: eligibility confirmation questions, basic biographical information, and narrative questions that allow applicants to share their leadership experience or articulate their goals for joining the Council. Additional requirements include resume information (which can be entered or uploaded) and a letter of recommendation.
To support applicants from diverse linguistic backgrounds, the program offers an Application Guide with translations in Arabic, Spanish, Farsi, Burmese, and Swahili, in addition to English. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review this guide, along with Council Member Expectations and the 2026 Schedule, before beginning their application.
The selection process follows a structured timeline designed to provide timely decisions to all applicants. Initial notifications regarding application status will be sent by November 14, 2026.
Finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews scheduled between November 17 and November 21, 2026. Final selection notifications will be delivered by November 24, 2026, allowing chosen candidates to prepare for the Council Term beginning shortly thereafter.
The leadership development journey does not end with the completion of the 10-month Council Term. All NYALC graduates gain access to the NRLLEC Alumni Network, which provides ongoing opportunities for continued growth, connection with fellow alumni, and sustained engagement in leadership activities.
This federal initiative represents a significant investment in the leadership potential of young refugees and asylees, recognizing their capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities while developing skills that will serve them throughout their lives in the United States.
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