Immigrants Lead Boston

Immigrants Lead Boston will provide participants with learning experiences and connections. The program can help advance your path forward as a leader, professional, and advocate in your community.

The program aims to build on participants’ knowledge, skills, and relationships. We want them to be effective leaders and ambassadors for their communities. Participants will grow their ability to navigate City government, engage with City officials, and advocate for their communities. Topics include:

• Civic engagement and community organizing  
• How to find your purpose and share your story through public narrative 
• Building leadership teams to make your dreams of community change real 
• Immigration history and topics impacting immigrants, racism, and equity 

Each participant will engage in civic activities throughout the program. They will apply the skills, knowledge, and relationships formed during the course to learn how to address issues and advocate for their communities.

Candidates must be Boston residents, immigrants, proficient in English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole, and at least 18 years old. They also need to be able to commit 4 hours a week. Candidates must be committed to:

• learning civic engagement and leadership skills
• engaging with City of Boston government and officials, and
• leading and supporting their immigrant communities.

Not everyone who applies will be selected. Only selected candidates will be eligible to receive the scholarship.

Dates for the Fall 2026 program will be announced in late June

Dates for the Fall 2026 program will be announced in late June. 

Each participant will receive a scholarship of $575. The full amount of the scholarship will be distributed at the end of the program. Participants are expected to fully take part in the sessions, projects, and activities of the program. If there is an emergency and participants cannot attend a session, they will need to immediately communicate with the program coordinator to make up for the missed session. 

The scholarship rewards participants for their time and commitment to learn, lead, and advocate for their communities. Because not every resident can make this commitment without support, this scholarship ensures equitable access to government for all residents.

We will work with you to make sure you have access to the technology you need to take part in this program.

There is no application fee to apply. Only selected candidates are eligible for the scholarship. You can find more information in our online form.

Dates for the Fall 2026 program will be announced in late June.