Black Student Leadership Network (BSLN) Ambassador Program Application (2025- 2026 Cohort) |
The Black Student Leadership Network (BSLN) was established to create a network of Black student leaders championing organizing and advocating in their communities. The BSLN Fellowship and Ambassadors Program offers an enriching opportunity for college students to actively organize in the community and influence public policy.
If you're ready to use your voice or have been using your voice to create change this is the program for you!
Timeline:
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
Application Decision Communicated: May 7, 2025
Intent to accept cohort invitation due: May 12, 2025
If you're ready to use your voice or have been using your voice to create change this is the program for you!
Timeline:
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
Application Decision Communicated: May 7, 2025
Intent to accept cohort invitation due: May 12, 2025
Cohort Begins: May 2025
Cohort Ends: May 2026
Cohort Ends: May 2026
Roles:
Ambassador: Meet with Fellows consistently and engage in the program for 10 months. Ambassadors will facilitate and assist in developing the 2025 BSLN Convening at Alex Haley Farm, facilitate program design on campus, and lead on-campus organizing and advocacy efforts for their schools/local communities and respective fellows.
*Paid fellowship opportunity*
- Attend monthly workshops and meetings from June 2025 - May 2026.
*Paid fellowship opportunity*
- Attend monthly workshops and meetings from June 2025 - May 2026.
- Recruit fellows to the cohort.
- Attend and invite students and campus leaders to open training sessions and mentorship roundtables throughout the year.
- Elevate Fellows’ concerns and campus needs to the CDF Student and Youth Team.
- Support program design and coordination efforts of the annual BSLN Fall 2025 convening.
- Attend the Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute hosted by CDF Freedom Schools held June 3rd - June 7th on the Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, TN. Housing and Travel provided.
- Attend and assist in facilitating the 2024 BSLN Conference held at CDF Alex Haley Farm from Nov.14 -17.
- Lead project plan development for on-campus campaigns, and organizing/advocacy work.
Requirements:
- Enrolled full-time at a college/university
- Rising sophomore, junior, and senior as of Spring 2025
- Seniors must be graduating in May 2026 (no earlier)
- Able to commit to the 10 month program
- Able to travel to Alex Haley Farm or CDF Office a minimum of twice per year
For any questions please reach out to bsln@childrensdefense.org.