Join the Fellowship
Want to join a cohort of like-minded teens? Want to earn money while gaining real-world research design experience?
In Tandem for Youth Partners
Be heard. Change the world.
Join your peers in lending your voice to projects with real-world impact.
In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship
The In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship is a remote, year-round program designed for youth ages 13-18 who want to shape the programs and products that impact their lives.
Benefits
Work alongside companies and organizations to bring youth perspectives to their products and services through interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
Strengthen design thinking skills
Gain valuable skills in research methodologies, behavioral science, and inclusive design.
Connect with peers
Network with other Youth Partners and Peer Mentors at exclusive virtual events and development trainings.
Learn from the pros
Engage with experienced product designers and research teams to gain real-world insights.
Earn while you learn
Receive a scholarship for your contributions.
Program overview
Youth Partners
As a Youth Partner, you’ll make your voice heard by joining research projects with our partner organizations. You'll also connect with other Youth Partners across the country through fun virtual events.
Peer Mentors
Experienced Youth Partners can also serve as Peer Mentors, youth leaders who provide guidance and support. In addition to typical Youth Partner activities, they attend quarterly program events to share insights and build leadership skills.
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Virtual summer orientation
Our virtual summer orientation is an immersive introduction to behavioral science and user-centered design. You get to know fellow participants and our team, explore design thinking and the scientific method, and learn how to share feedback. The orientation takes place over the course of one week during the summer.
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Design activities
Directly shape youth-focused projects through interviews, focus groups, and surveys. There are typically 2–3 activities monthly, each lasting 30 minutes to an hour. You can choose how many to join, and all activities are remote, with technical support available.
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Time commitment
Choose how much you want to be involved. The average commitment is 2-3 monthly activities (lasting 30 minutes to an hour) alongside fellowship trainings and networking opportunities (typically one hour each). The program offers flexibility, so you can pick your favorite activities while balancing other commitments (like school, work, and sports).
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Scholarship
Youth Partners and Peer Mentors receive a quarterly scholarship for their participation. Scholarships start at $50 per quarter and increase based on the level of participation in the program. The stipend is a non-qualified scholarship and is considered taxable income; there are no restrictions on how you spend the money.
Who should apply?
The Youth Voice Fellowship application is open to all US-based high school aged youth (including current 8th graders!).
The application takes ~30 minutes to complete. There are no traditional requirements like GPA thresholds or extracurricular involvement. This fellowship does not require past work or professional experience. We will provide a computer and/or internet for youth without access to reliable technology.
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are now OPEN. You can apply using this link. Applications are open until Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
“Contrary to popular belief, teenagers definitely have good ideas. [This] is a really good space where teenagers are taken seriously and their input is taken seriously. It’s just a good space for that to happen, and a safe space”
Manuela C., 9th grade
“[The program] has allowed me to gain a lot of perspectives from across the country that I wouldn’t have been able to have just from where I live. I’ve also enjoyed seeing what researchers are eager to know about students and aspects of student life.”
Abby C., 11th grade
“We got to majorly connect with people with all different ages and backgrounds that we probably wouldn’t get to connect with in our social lives.”
Tithi M., 9th grade
“Getting to work firsthand with researchers is something that most of my peers don't get to do. I always feel welcome and valued. Participating in focus groups also helps me gain knowledge. It gives me insight on what research is happening in education right now and it also improves my giving feedback skills. I gain more and more confidence after each focus group and get better at giving constructive feedback.”
Allie E., 11th grade
“I have really enjoyed participating in the fellowship. It makes me feel good to know that I have place where my voice can be heard and used.”
Nicholas T.
“I love being able to voice my thoughts and opinions on tasks that are in need of improvement or just want some feedback! I hope to gain more confidence in myself because being in this fellowship has definitely helped me get out of my comfort zone.”
Marlean H.
“I fell in love with participating with companies trying to understand our youth.”
Jasia S.
“Over the past year in fellowship, I have created a real impact that I never thought I would be able to make. Coming from a low income area, I do not have access to opportunities to make a positive impact around me. I have never been in a program where I can actually see my impact and put my input on real life situations. The community is also amazing. The meetings that we are able to connect with other fellows allow me to feel a sense of community in this program. The leaders are also so helpful and truly care about our privacy. This fellowship has allowed me to grow and I hope I can continue to grow and create even more impacts, and perhaps design things that will be used in the real world with other fellows.”
Misk A.
We are committed to youth safety and privacy.
Virtual summer orientation
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Design activities
Youth Partners can directly shape youth-focused projects through interviews, focus groups, and surveys, working with organizations to prioritize youth input. averaging 2-3 activities monthly, each lasting 30 minutes to an hour. Choose your level of involvement, The program is flexible to accommodate other commitments ( All activities are remote, with technical support available.
Time commitment
Throughout the year, Youth Partners can choose their level of engagement. On average, they should expect to participate in at least two to three activities each month, plus trainings and networking opportunities. Activities usually take between thirty minutes and an hour each. However, the program is designed to be flexible and allows them to choose which activities they participate in. We welcome youth balancing other jobs, home responsibilities, extracurricular activities, or other commitments.
Compensation
Youth Partners & Peer Mentors receive a quarterly scholarship for their participation. Scholarships start at $50 per quarter and increase based on your level of participation in the program. Because the stipend is a non-qualified scholarship, and is considered taxable income, there are no restrictions on how the money can be spent. We offer a number of payment options to accommodate the needs of participants.
Questions?
Let’s answer them.
Learn more about the In Tandem Youth Voice Fellowship. Question not answered here? Contact us below.
What will students gain from participating in the Youth Voice Fellowship?
Youth Partners directly influence projects and programs impacting youth by participating in interviews, focus groups, and surveys. They will work with various organizations to ensure youth voice is integral to the development of their offerings. In addition, Youth Partners will connect with peers throughout the country through periodic (virtual) events. Along the way, they will learn from experienced researchers and program staff throughout their term.
How much time will Youth Partners dedicate to this program?
Throughout the year, Youth Partners can choose their level of engagement. On average, they should expect to participate in at least two to three activities each month, plus trainings and networking opportunities. Activities usually take between 30 minutes to an hour. However, the program is designed to be flexible and allows Youth Partners to choose which activities they participate in. We welcome those balancing other jobs, home responsibilities, extracurricular activities, or other commitments.
Will Youth Partners receive college or school credit for participating?
The program is educational but doesn’t offer college or school credit. However, Youth Partners gain valuable experience engaging with research and user-centered design.
Will Youth Partners be compensated?
Yes. Youth Partners will receive a financial scholarship to support their participation in this educational program. We strive to offer various payment methods to suit each person’s needs.
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone ages 13-18 in grades 9-12 (in the '25-26 school year) can apply. There are no performance or GPA requirements to join, and youth in nontraditional school programs are welcome. You don't need to be a "star student"—we value creativity, lived experience, and passion. We encourage all youth to apply, particularly those who are neurodiverse, identify as people of color, and/or as LGBTQIA+. Applications are open until May 23, 2025.
If accepted, what documents are needed?
We send all accepted applicants an acceptance letter for them and a parent or guardian to sign. Once they are accepted, we will provide more details.
Who will oversee the program?
The Youth Voice Fellowship is run by In Tandem, a non-profit dedicated to elevating youth voices in all areas that impact their lives. Their internal staff supports Youth Partners throughout the program.
How does In Tandem ensure the safety and privacy of youth participants?
Our commitment to youth safety and privacy informs our policies. All interactions are monitored, and we provide a secure environment for youth to share their insights. View our privacy policy.