FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flagstaff, AZ — The Grand Canyon Trust is accepting applications from young people ages 18-27 for its 2026 LeaderShift Scholars program. Up to 12 LeaderShift scholars will be selected for a free eight-day immersive outdoor service-learning and conservation advocacy training across the Colorado Plateau, Saturday, August 8-Saturday August 15, 2026.
It is free to apply and participation is free for all selected applicants. In addition, 2026 LeaderShift scholars will receive stipends, meals, and transportation. Camping gear can be borrowed free of charge. Individuals 18-27 with an interest in environmental justice are encouraged to apply at grandcanyontrust.org/leadershift. Applications will be reviewed and participants selected on a rolling basis until all 12 spots are filled.
Learning from the land and its peoples is a key component of LeaderShift. LeaderShift scholars travel to places like the Grand Canyon, Tuba City, and Kykotsmovi Village, learn from local communities about issues including energy extraction and the transition away from fossil fuels toward more sustainable and equitable economies, and participate in service-learning projects with local community partners.
“My connection to the Colorado Plateau runs through my blood, my culture, and my everyday life. I am Navajo, and this land is not just where I live, it is part of who I am,” said 2025 LeaderShift Scholar Atrisha Charley. “The land has also shown me how everything is connected. The pollinators that visit the flowers, the compost that enriches the soil, the sun and rain that feed the plants, all of it works together in harmony. That interconnectedness made me realize how deeply we are part of our environment and how important it is to care for it with intention. Learning from the land has shaped my values and given me a sense of purpose…it’s where I continue to learn, about myself, my community, and the kind of future I want to help build.”
During eight days in the field, scholars will learn about the history of coal mining on Navajo and Hopi lands and meet with families who worked at the Black Mesa and Kayenta mines as well as business owners who are building the foundation of healthier economies. Scholars will also learn action-based strategies to create social and environmental change in their own communities.
“It helped me see I don’t need a large amount of money to help people,” reflected 2025 LeaderShift Scholar Jalen Panana. “I can start now with the small steps… I learned how most locals on-and-off Navajo and Hopi lands had to adjust with the introduction and exit of the extractive economy. It was interesting and heartfelt to see the disturbance and imbalance of the aftermath created by mining companies…It helped me understand the importance of community morals, tradition, and mindset as they approach a just transition.”
Selected 2026 LeaderShift Scholars will attend preparatory Zoom sessions before going out in the field, and one Zoom session after the field academy. More information and a link to the online application can be found at grandcanyontrust.org/leadershift. Questions can be directed to risingleaders@grandcanyontrust.org.
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Contact
Danya Gorel, Rising Leaders Manager, (713) 530-7853
