NextWave Leadership Program
Supporting the Next Generation of Justice-impacted Leaders
The NextWave Leadership Program is Canary Impact’s youth-focused initiative, designed to support justice-impacted leaders aged 18-25. It addresses the unique challenges faced by young people disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system, providing the tools, mentorship, and community they need to turn their experiences into leadership and advocacy.
NextWave is more than a program. It is a launchpad for a new generation of changemakers, ready to challenge the systems that have shaped their lives.
Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow
Targeted Support for Youth
Tailored to the needs of young leaders, the program offers mentorship and resources designed to address the challenges of reentry, systemic inequities, and generational trauma.
Investing in People, Not Just Projects
NextWave prioritizes individual growth and leadership journeys, creating accessible pathways to success for bold thinkers and fresh innovators.
Catalyzing Systemic Change
By supporting youth leaders, the program sparks innovative solutions that challenge the root causes of mass incarceration and drive progress toward decarceration and equity.
Program Benefits
The 10-for-10 Program provides more than financial support. Participants gain access to funding, leadership development, mentorship, and a national network of changemakers committed to creating meaningful impact in their communities.
$10,000 Financial Investment
Each program participant receives a financial award to support their leadership journey, whether through education, advocacy, or community-focused initiatives.
Cohort Connection
Participants join a vibrant community of peers, building a supportive network that encourages collaboration, shared learning, and collective action.
Capacity Building for Long-Term Success
Training and mentorship empower participants with practical skills in effective communication, resilience, and leadership, preparing them to overcome systemic barriers and achieve meaningful change.
Comprehensive Leadership Development
Program participants engage in a structured curriculum that fosters personal growth, professional skills, and a deeper understanding of systemic reform.
Leadership Starts Here
The NextWave Leadership Program is rooted in the belief that young people with lived experience of the criminal legal system hold the power to create transformative change. Throughout the year, program participants are immersed in a nurturing environment of mentorship, training, and collaboration, unlocking their potential and preparing them to lead initiatives that challenge the status quo.
Guided by experienced mentors from the social justice community, program participants gain valuable insights into advocacy, justice reform, and leadership. They emerge as transformative leaders, ready to inspire change and create lasting impact in their communities.
NextWave gave me more than funding. It connected me with a community of leaders who believed in my vision, challenged me to grow, and helped me turn my ideas into action. The experience strengthened my confidence and expanded what I believed was possible.
Ferre Woodmore
NextWave Leadership Participant
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NextWave Leadership Program, candidates must:
- Be 18 to 25 years old
- Have a history of incarceration
- Have an innovative idea that will lead to systemic change
- Reside in the U.S. and focus their work within U.S. communities
- Propose work that does not involve lobbying activities
- Have not previously received Canary Impact’s NextWave Leadership Prize.
Past Program Participants
Meet the inspiring leaders driving impact in their communities.
Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey
You do not need a perfect résumé, an established organization, or all the answers before you apply. If you are passionate about creating change and ready to grow as a leader, we encourage you to take the next step.