SPI Youth is a 9-month fellowship for young leaders, ages 14–18—young women, trans, and gender expansive youth—ready to step into their power. Through feminist frameworks and hands-on policy learning, fellows sharpen their skills, build bold ideas, and connect with a network of peers and mentors who are shaping change. This is a space to grow, lead, and turn vision into action—together. This fellowship consists of a 4-day kickoff and activation retreat in Sonoma, CA, and 8 months of virtual learning labs designed to train you and strengthen your leadership.
Phase 01 — In-Person Retreat
4 Days · Sonoma, CA · July 27–30, 2026
The fellowship kicks off with a four-day residential retreat in Sonoma, CA — a fully immersive experience where fellows build community, explore their leadership identities, and establish the foundation for the year ahead. Transportation, lodging, and meals are fully covered.
Phase 02 — Feminist Learning Lab
8 Virtual Sessions · October–May · 6pm PST
After the retreat, fellows continue through eight monthly virtual Feminist Learning Labs. Each 1.5-hour session connects fellows with SPI alumni, activists, and leaders across the Women’s Foundation California network — covering topics from gender justice and civic engagement to policy, community organizing, and self-care.
Between sessions, fellows engage through discussion posts, feedback surveys, and session readings.
During the in-person retreat and throughout the duration of the fellowship, you will gain skills around the following:
- Storytelling: Through art, poetry, and narrative, fellows build advocacy skills and deepen their understanding of collective power.
- Professional Development: Authentic leadership, public comment, relationship building — tools you’ll carry for life.
- Wellness & Restoration: Healing practices, self-care, and network collaboration.
- Community: Fellows join a statewide network of young feminists co-creating California’s intersectional feminist future.
*After completion of both the retreat and fellowship, you will receive an official SPI Youth Fellowship Certificate of Completion and a stipend.*
SPI Youth 2026
SPI Youth is a 9-month fellowship for young leaders, ages 14–18—young women, trans, and gender expansive youth—ready to step into their power. Through feminist frameworks and hands-on policy learning, fellows sharpen their skills, build bold ideas, and connect with a network of peers and mentors who are shaping change. This is a space to grow, lead, and turn vision into action—together. This fellowship consists of a 4-day kickoff and activation retreat in Sonoma, CA, and 8 months of virtual learning labs designed to train you and strengthen your leadership.
Phase 01 — In-Person Retreat
4 Days · Sonoma, CA · July 27–30, 2026
The fellowship kicks off with a four-day residential retreat in Sonoma, CA — a fully immersive experience where fellows build community, explore their leadership identities, and establish the foundation for the year ahead. Transportation, lodging, and meals are fully covered.
Phase 02 — Feminist Learning Lab
8 Virtual Sessions · October–May · 6pm PST
After the retreat, fellows continue through eight monthly virtual Feminist Learning Labs. Each 1.5-hour session connects fellows with SPI alumni, activists, and leaders across the Women’s Foundation California network — covering topics from gender justice and civic engagement to policy, community organizing, and self-care.
Between sessions, fellows engage through discussion posts, feedback surveys, and session readings.
During the in-person retreat and throughout the duration of the fellowship, you will gain skills around the following:
- Storytelling: Through art, poetry, and narrative, fellows build advocacy skills and deepen their understanding of collective power.
- Professional Development: Authentic leadership, public comment, relationship building — tools you’ll carry for life.
- Wellness & Restoration: Healing practices, self-care, and network collaboration.
- Community: Fellows join a statewide network of young feminists co-creating California’s intersectional feminist future.
*After completion of both the retreat and fellowship, you will receive an official SPI Youth Fellowship Certificate of Completion and a stipend.*