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: March 1st, 2026
Application Decision Communicated: March 15th, 2026
Intent to accept cohort invitation due: March 22nd, 2026

Cohort Begins: May 2026
Cohort Ends: May 2027


Roles:
Ambassador: Meet with Fellows consistently and engage in the program for 10 months. Ambassadors will facilitate and assist in developing the 2026 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 May 2026 - May 2027.

- Attend Freedom Schools National Leadership Training, June 3rd, 2026 - June 8th, 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 2026 (September 10th, 2026 - September 13th, 2026) convening.

- 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 2026
- Seniors must be graduating in May 2027 (no earlier)
- Able to commit to the 10 month program

For any questions please reach out to bsln@childrensdefense.org.
( Privacy & Cookie Notice

T