Channel your energy
into meaningful change.
Find your purpose as part of a global movement for education and equity with one of our Mona Foundation youth programs.
At Mona Foundation, we nurture young people who want to make a difference. Ready to think critically, act ethically, and lead purposefully through service-based learning?
Whether you’re applying to be a Youth Ambassador or a Mona Fellow, this is your chance to help build a world where every child has access to education while gaining real leadership experience and deepening your understanding of community-led development.
Serving with Mona Foundation helps enhance your capacity to build community, and bring immense meaning to every aspect of your life, especially as you begin your journey into young adulthood.
Choose your path to impact
New to Mona Foundation?
Start as a Mona Youth Ambassador
- Access learning resources that support your discovery of grassroots development and Mona’s unique approach
- Build foundational skills at your own pace
- Discover your passions and integrate selfless service into your life.
Ready for Deeper Impact?
Apply for a Mona Fellowship
- Engage in monthly skill-building and social networking opportunities with a community of like-minded peers, facilitated by local and global leaders of change
- Build your resume and confidence as you learn to develop and execute your own community fundraising event in May 2026
Youth Ambassador Program
This year-round program is available on a rolling basis for students ages 12-18 who are curious about deepening their understanding of grassroots leadership, sustainable development, and the power of education for young people around the world.
As a Youth Ambassador you will engage your peers at school, in your community, and through social media to:
- Promote the power of education and girls' empowerment to transform lives.
- Raise awareness of Mona's mission and approach.
- Take action to help educate kids and empower girls globally
This journey is perfect if you're:
- Curious about global education challenges
- Looking for flexible engagement that fits your busy schedule
- Looking to deepen your commitment to service, but unsure how to start
What to expect:
- Monthly learning prompts delivered to your email
- Resources to start peer-to-peer fundraising
- Flexible participation—contribute what you can, when you can
Mona Fellowship Program
Accelerate your impact with our 8-month (Oct-May) intensive program for young leaders ready to transform their local action into global impact.
Open to students ages 14-18 in the US and Canada only. Five Fellowships available per school year.
Applications are now being accepted through August 30th for the 2025-2026 Fellowship cohort.
This journey is for you if you're ready to:
- Commit to leading a community fundraiser from start to finish
- Connect with changemakers and mentors across the country
- Learn more deeply about Mona's trailblazing approach
- Gain hands-on experience that stands out on college applications
What to expect:
- Monthly skill-building workshops (October - May)
- Guided community calls with peers
- Lead your own Move4Mona campaign in your local community
- Mentorship from Mona's global network
Applications close on August 30, 2025. Selected Mona Fellows for 2025-26 will be notified by September 15th.
Learn from inspiring changemakers as part of the Mona community
Facilitators include:
Hope Kalegi
Jenna Winocur
Shiva Riddell
Marco Rios Bollinger
What You'll Learn:
- Grassroots Development: Understanding root causes, not just symptoms
- Fundraising Mastery: Turn your network into a force for change
- Impact Storytelling: Share your work to inspire others
Beyond Resume Building: Real Development & Impact
Personal
Transformation
- Confidence from creating real change
- Critical thinking skills to address complex challenges
- Sense of purpose and joy as you build a service-centered life
Community Leadership
- Practical experience in understanding how to address local needs
- Mentorship from experienced community organizers
- Leadership role in a meaningful initiative
Professional Recognition
- Portfolio projects showing measurable community impact
- Professional references from nonprofit leaders
- Skills that set you apart in college, scholarship and job applications
Meet some of our Youth Ambassador Alumni
Samira’s journey began while scrolling social media on World Youth Day when something clicked.
She saw stories of kids her age without access to education and couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to do something.
Within a year, this Toronto high schooler turned that spark into real impact: raising $3,500 through Move4Mona (enough to send 25 children to school for a year), creating a community reading program to fight isolation, and proving that "change starts one person at a time."
What seemed impossible—making a meaningful difference—became achievable through Mona's Youth Ambassador program, where she found mentorship, resources, and a network of supportive peers.
Samira's biggest revelation?
"You don't necessarily have to raise thousands of dollars to be considered an activist... if I inspire one person, I've already succeeded."
Starting with just two friends at a school club fair, her influence grew organically, showing that even small beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes when paired with the right support system and genuine passion for service.
Brenden had an uneventful freshman year, so he decided to "do something" his junior year.
Drawing on his family's long connection to Mona Foundation, he and friend Alec started their own Global Citizens Club, gaining 12 committed members.
When their Move4Mona 5K at Santa Monica Pier and bake sale raised $850, enough to send 6-7 children to school for a year, Brenden was "super blown away" by the impact.
Pushing back against the "woman's thing" misconception, he emphasized Mona's work is "a human thing," surprised by how many male friends genuinely connected with the mission.
From an uninspired freshman to a leader creating real change, Brenden discovered that service creates a "thread that connects us" and "will eventually benefit the whole world."
His advice to other young people?
"Just do it! Really. Just take the initiative."
As age 9, Nessa discovered something powerful: she didn't have to wait until she was older to change lives.
Starting with a simple lemonade stand, she raised thousands of dollars for a Mona partner organization. As a 6th grader, she traveled to Panama to meet students she helped educate and later started a service club at her school.
At age 15, Nessa joined the first cohort of Mona Youth Ambassadors. Over the years, her Move4Mona 5Ks have raised over $5,800 and successfully engaged her peers and community in supporting education and gender equality.
"I realized that with this role of 'Youth Ambassador' I could really bring out my full potential," Nessa explains, describing her evolution from convincing classmates to join her cause to recruiting five friends for her Move4Mona 5K walk.
What keeps her going isn't just the impact—it's that "so good" feeling of knowing her efforts have "changed someone's day or even changed someone else's life."
In 2024, Nessa visited two Mona partners in Colombia and is currently raising funds to build a classroom and library there. She also began serving on Mona's Youth Advisory Board.
"It's really changed my life and made me a better person," she says, encouraging other teens to join.
"If you are someone like me who enjoys making people's days...then this program is for you!"
Looking for a meaningful way to jump into action right NOW?
Start a fundraiser!
Ready to make a difference but not sure where to begin? A fundraiser is your perfect entry point.
Bring your community together by hosting a fundraiser and learn how to:
- Create measurable impact for global education
- Practice authentic storytelling about causes you care about
- Build your network around shared values
- Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit engagement
Popular ways to start:
- Birthday Campaigns: Ask friends to donate instead of gifts
- Graduation Celebrations: Turn your achievement into educational opportunities for others
- Skill Challenges: Host a 5K, read-a-thon, or talent show
- Creative Events: Game nights, bake sales, or virtual concerts
- Awareness Days: Align with International Women's Day, Earth Day, or other meaningful dates
No experience required—we provide all the templates, resources, and support you need to succeed.
