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Fellowship

The youthink Adolescent Health Innovation Fellowship, Cohort 1 (June–August 2026), is a 7‑week innovation program for young adults ages 18-25 living in the United States and its territories. Fellows learn and apply design thinking and other innovation principles to selected adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues. Working in small teams, fellows develop innovative ideas, learn from experts at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, gain hands-on experience in adolescent health, join a national community of experts and peers, and receive a $5,000 stipend.

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What will you do?

By participating, youthink Fellows will gain a wealth of valuable experiences, skills, and resources including:

  • Work with a team of 3 other fellows to innovate around a specific challenge in adolescent sexual and reproductive health
  • Learn and apply core design thinking and innovation skills to understand the problem, generate ideas, and prototype a potential solution
  • Get coaching and feedback throughout the innovation process
  • Create a plan and supportive network to continue their work as innovators

Who should apply?

We’re looking for young people who are ready to learn, collaborate, and lead in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. You should apply if you:

  • Are ages 18–25 by June 2026
  • Are a high school graduate (or have a GED) plus at least one year of work or education after high school
  • Live in and are eligible to work in the United States and its territories
  • Work in, or are interested in, fields like public health, social work, psychology, or related areas
  • Are available to travel to Los Angeles, CA (fully  funded by youthink) for a 4-day in-person training (week of June 22nd)
  • Can commit to 20–25 hours per week of virtual team and individual work for the remaining 6 weeks of the program (June 29 – August 7)

What will you get?

youthink Fellows will receive:

  • Training and coaching in design thinking and adolescent sexual and reproductive health innovation
  • Hands‑on experience designing and testing a health innovation
  • A 7‑week cohort experience with peers who share your passion
  • A 4‑day in‑person training with CHLA experts and cohort members in Los Angeles, CA 
  • A $5,000 stipend for your participation
  • A letter of recommendation upon successful completion
  • Professional development support, including personalized guidance
  • Opportunities to build your professional network
  • A plan and supportive network to continue your work as innovators

How do I apply?

Apply to Fellowship
Read Our FAQs

  • Join our email list to receive updates about the application timeline
  • When applications open, create an Ideawake account to start your application
  • Use Google Chrome as your browser for the best experience

  • Provide your contact information and answer questions about your experience and interests
  • Confirm your eligibility (e.g., age, education)

  • Selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with youthink staff
  • Share your interests and ideas and learn more about the fellowship

  • youthink staff will review all applications, interviews, and references
  • Selected applicants will complete onboarding, and prepare for the fellowship

Additional Information

Application Timeline

  • February 6, 2026: Informational webinar
  • February 9–20, 2026: Application period
  • June–August 2026: Fellowship dates

How to Apply Guide

  • Coming soon

FAQs

youthink.health/faqs

 

Website

youthink.health

 

Email

youthink@chla.usc.edu

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