Youth Democracy Institute

Fiscally sponsored by Social Good Fund

EIN of fiscal sponsor: 46-1323531

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate, empower, and equip young people (ages 10-24) with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead civic change in their communities and beyond.

Program Summary

Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) Overview
Founded in 2025 and fiscally sponsored by the Social Good Fund, Youth Democracy Institute is dedicated to developing a pipeline of civic leaders across Arlington County, and the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Our three core programs help young people build leadership, confidence, and teamwork through real-world civic learning experiences. Our programs are non-partisan, hands-on, and grounded in Virginia education standards.

NextGen Leadership Academy (Grades 4–8)
This program offers two formats to engage students in civic learning and leadership development. Our summer and break camps provide an intensive, hands-on experience where students explore civic engagement through mock town halls, student elections, and community-based projects. During the school year, the afterschool enrichment program continues this learning, with weekly sessions focused on leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Both formats culminate in a field trip to local civi or historical sites. Our goal is to foster early civic identity and prepare youth for future leadership roles.

Emerging Leaders Academy (Grades 9–12)
The Emerging Leaders Academy equips high school students with skills in advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing. Students work on real-world projects addressing local issues, focusing on peer leadership and public service. The program empowers youth to engage meaningfully in their communities and prepares them for future leadership roles.

YDI Policy Academy (Ages 18–24)
The YDI Policy Academy provides intensive training in policy analysis and community organizing. Fellows participate in research, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots mobilization, while also mentoring younger students in YDI programs. This dual role prepares fellows for leadership in public policy and civic engagement.

Impact Statement

Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) builds the next generation of civic leaders by equipping young people in Arlington County and the greater DC region with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to actively participate in their communities.

Since launching in 2025, YDI has served more than 100 participants through break camps, afterschool programs, and cohort-based leadership academies. Approximately 85% of participants access programming at no cost, reflecting YDI’s commitment to ensuring that high-quality civic learning opportunities remain accessible to all students.

During the 2025–2026 school year, YDI delivered programming in two school-based sites and is actively working with Arlington Public Schools to expand its presence in middle and high schools across the county. Over the course of the year, YDI launched its America 250 civic engagement series, hosted a Cultural Leadership Academy bringing together Black and Jewish students for cross-cultural dialogue and leadership development, and became a community partner site for George Mason University’s Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning Summer Engaged Fellows Program—strengthening program delivery while building a pipeline for future civic leaders.

Through its programs, students develop confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of their role in shaping their communities.

What ways can the public get involved?

• Enroll Your Children
  Provide your child with the opportunity to develop leadership, civic engagement, and teamwork skills through YDI’s programs. Our leadership camps and afterschool enrichment academies are designed to inspire youth to become confident and proactive civic leaders.
• Partner with Us
  We welcome partnerships with schools, community organizations, and businesses to expand our reach and impact. Whether through hosting events, providing resources, or offering internship opportunities, partnering with YDI helps us create more opportunities for youth to lead.
• Sponsor a Program or Student
  Help support our programs by sponsoring a student or a specific program. Your sponsorship ensures that all youth, regardless of their financial situation, can participate in life-changing civic leadership experiences.
• Volunteer Your Time
  Volunteer with YDI to help deliver programs, mentor students, or assist with events. Your time and expertise can make a real difference in the lives of young people as they develop their leadership skills and learn to engage with their communities.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

1. Program Costs
   Donations help fund our leadership camps, afterschool enrichment programs, and academies, ensuring that they remain either free or low-cost for families. This includes covering materials, field trips, and resources to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students.
2. Scholarships
   Your contribution provides scholarships for students from underserved communities, allowing them to participate in our programs at no cost or a reduced fee, ensuring equal access to leadership development opportunities.
3. Staff and Volunteer Support
   Donations support the recruitment, training, and compensation of our dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver high-quality mentorship, facilitate programs, and help students thrive in a supportive learning environment.
4. Operational Expenses
   Contributions also help cover essential operational costs, including facility rentals, technology, and outreach efforts, ensuring that YDI’s programs are sustainable and impactful in the long term.

Your support helps ensure that more youth have access to life-changing opportunities, preparing them to become future leaders and change-makers.

Learn more here.

Information provided March 2026