Congressional Leadership Academy & Shadow Day
NFYI's Congressional Leadership Academy is a 9-month program consisting of monthly skill-building training and workshops for former foster youth from across the country. The Academy prepares current and former foster youth to use their personal experiences to raise awareness of the challenges the child welfare system faces. The Academy includes NFYI’s signature event, Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Experience, which takes place each June in Washington, DC. The week-long immersive Shadow Day Experience allows for connection with Members of Congress, Congressional staffers and peers. Workshops focus on community organizing, the legislative process, child welfare policy and how to strategically share their knowledge of the system with their Member of Congress. Former foster youth gain a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative processes, and policymakers hear personal testimony and experiences of youth in the child welfare system.
A Transformative Experience
Since 2012, NFYI has brought nearly 1,000 current/former foster youth to DC. Each year, CLA participants spend a week in the nation’s capital, gaining a firsthand understanding of how federal policies are made and how their voices can shape legislation. Through intensive workshops, hands-on training, and policy deep-dives, they build the confidence, leadership, and professional development skills to turn their lived experiences into meaningful change. The week culminates in Shadow Day, where delegates meet one-on-one with Members of Congress, sharing their personal stories and offering crucial insights into the realities of foster care. These conversations don’t just inspire lawmakers — they directly influence policy.

Real-World Impact
Career Opportunities – Some delegates have secured Congressional internships or full-time jobs in Washington, D.C., launching careers in policy, advocacy, and government.
Legislative Wins – Members of Congress, informed by CLA delegates, have introduced bills such as:
- Supporting Families Through the Pandemic Act
- Legislation to make housing more affordable for foster youth in college
- A bill to close a Medicaid loophole affecting young adults exiting foster care
Community Mobilization – CLA participants return home equipped with new networks and knowledge, inspiring civic engagement and mobilizing their communities around key child welfare issues.
Skills Development – NFYI staff, consultants, and volunteers provide youth participants with new skills, including:
- Strategic storytelling
- Policy design
- Resume writing
- Public speaking & media training
- Trauma-informed coping and stress management skills
By investing in foster youth leaders, CLA is driving systemic change — ensuring that those with lived experience aren’t just part of the conversation, but leading it.



-Japheth Ebanks Kariuki

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Foster Care
Are You a Foster Youth Leader Ready to Make an Impact?
Are You Ready to Invest in the Next Generation of Changemakers?
Apply for Shadow Day:
Applications for this year’s cohort are now open, and the deadline to apply is December 16th!
In a video shared with Congress, members discuss how COVID-19 impacted their lives
Delegates share their personal stories and experiences in the child welfare system with Congressmembers and remind them of the real-world impact their work has on children in foster care.
Host a Foster Youth:
Members of congress


Sponsor a Delegate:
It’s important to NFYI that no young person be held back from life changing opportunities. That’s why we cover all expenses for every delegate, no matter where they’re from. But we don’t do it alone, sponsors make it possible for NFYI to bring 30-100 delegates from across the nation together for a powerful, transformative experience.
Whether you sponsor a delegate’s participation or donate care package items, professional clothing, drinks, snacks, or other items – you can help contribute to an impactful experience for these young leaders
To sponsor or donate, please reach out to NFYI CEO Rebecca Louve Yao at rebecca@nfyi.org
Outcomes from previous Shadow Day Programs include:
- National attention on foster care issues.
- Lasting connections are made between Members of Congress, staffers, and delegates.
- Internship and professional development opportunities have been secured by delegates.
- Legislation has been inspired by and informed by experiences shared by delegates.
- Delegates develop and apply new leadership skills. As a result a group of previous participants return to DC Shadow Day to serve as group leaders and workshop facilitators for that years new class of delegates.

Shadow Day has proven to be a truly enriching experience.
Shadow Day participants are outstanding examples of inner strength, and it is our strong belief that everyone’s worldview would be improved by spending time with foster youth. These individuals exemplify the American values of perseverance and resilience. For members of Congress, having these courageous foster youth joining us as our ‘shadows’ gives us a better perspective and serves as a reminder of the many issues they face.
Reps. Paul Mitchell & Jim Langevin

Ready to take the next step?

NFYI's Annual, week-long Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day experience is right around the corner! Visit the Shadow Day 2022 page to learn more about our unique program, this year's delegates, and how you can get involved.
Join us by signing up today!
The National Foster Youth Institute is a youth development organization that lifts up foster youth voices to transform the child welfare system.
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