The Gem Project
Fellowships
Empowering Youth to Lead Change
The Organizing Fellowship : A hands-on fellowship for youth ages 16 to 24 in the Newark area. Fellows organize together, take on issues like education, health, criminal justice, and democracy, and build the skills to drive real change. Meets Tuesdays online and Thursdays in person near Rutgers Newark, October through the spring.
Apply Now | Priority Deadline September 29, 2026
Youth Power Action Ambassadors: A national, fully online track for youth ages 14 to 24. Ambassadors design and lead their own community projects with a coach, training, and up to $500 in project funding. Launches February 2027.
Apply Now | Priority Deadline December 8, 2026
The Gem Project Fellowships
The Gem Project Fellowship trains young people to lead change in their communities through advocacy, organizing, and social justice. There are three ways to join, whether you are in Newark or anywhere across the country.
Through hands-on projects, fellows tackle critical issues across education, health, criminal justice, and democracy—equipping them with the tools to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Program Highlights
Since 2006, The Gem Project has serviced the greater Newark, New Jersey area and has provided high quality programming that has enforced leadership and community service amongst school-age youth, adolescent youth, and young adults.
- (2025) Published whitepapers and data on youth-led focus groups about education, presenting at Rutgers REACH Conference.
- (2024) Fellows testified to lower the voting age in Newark, passing a historic ordinance with NJISJ and Congresswoman McIver.
- (2023) Partnered with GNHCC, engaging 500 families, aiding NJ FamilyCare's redetermination post-pandemic.
- (2022) Facilitated citywide youth organizing training for 55 youth on justice in education, health, and youth justice.
- (2021) Advocated policy changes for Newark School Board vacancies and supported Tommy Luna's coalition NEED.
- (2021) Championed youth representation in Newark’s Civilian Complaint Review Board.
- (2021-2024) Hosted forums, co-moderated School Board Candidate forums, and built Youth Advisory Boards.
Ready to make a difference?
Apply today to become a Gem Project Fellow!
Application Opens: September 9 and Closes September 30.