Packard Foundation and Public Health Institute Launch Youth Champions Initiative

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Public Health Institute have partnered to launch the Youth Champions Initiative – an exciting new initiative to advance innovation and quality in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights globally. The Youth Champions Initiative will invest in visionary youth who will help lead the sexual and reproductive health and rights movement for the next generation.

David and Lucile Packard had a deep commitment to promoting the reproductive health and rights of women and young people. In recognition of the Packard Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, the Youth Champions Initiative will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate and build upon the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to reproductive health and the engagement of youth leaders.

A cohort of 18 youth leaders (ages 18-29) from India, Ethiopia, Pakistan and the United States will be selected to participate in the Youth Champions Initiative from 2014-2015. These champions will participate in a week-long incubator in Los Altos, California, USA from December 4-12, 2014 and will be supported through capacity building, leadership development, mentorship, project funding (ranging from $8,000 – $12,000) and technical assistance to help launch creative projects improving of sexual and reproductive health and rights in their respective regions of the world.

The application deadline is July 25, 2014. Additional information about the initiative and the application process, including selection criteria, can be found at www.youthchampionsinitiative.org.