News

Trying Together’s 2026 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advocacy Fellowship aims to elevate the voices of early care and education professionals, parents, researchers, and other key contributors to the early learning ecosystem that are catalysts for meaningful change.

Trying Together envisions a future in which caregivers feel valued and empowered to promote diversity, equity, racial justice, and a sense of belonging. We recognize the critical role of early childhood in shaping lifelong success and are committed to advocating for inclusive, high-quality learning experiences while addressing systemic inequities.

The 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship invites passionate individuals from across the field to apply and become strong advocates for investing in young children.

Applications are open online and will be accepted until Saturday, Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Apply now.

About the Fellowship

The 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship is a 12-month program designed to empower participants through the following core components:

• Strengthening Advocacy Skills: Build the ability to advocate effectively for policies that support early care and education. Fellows will explore policy systems, practice storytelling, and engage in hands-on activities to grow their advocacy confidence.
• Cultivating Change-Makers: Grow as leaders and advocates within the early childhood field. Through reflection and peer collaboration, fellows will identify their leadership styles and explore their role in driving systemic change.
• Enhancing Leadership: Develop essential leadership skills to create lasting, positive impact. Sessions will focus on communication, decision-making, and community engagement.
• Mastering Communication: Learn strategies to craft compelling, equity-centered messages that resonate with diverse audiences and drive policy influence.
• Applying and Showcasing Learning: Complete a final project that reflects your advocacy journey and outlines your future impact. Projects will be shared in a public, interactive setting with organizational leaders and community partners.

Fellows and their employer will receive a stipend for their dedicated time. The program is offered at no cost to fellows or their places of employment. Dinner is provided during each session, and travel stipends are available on a case-by-case basis.

Intended Audience

Trying Together’s 2026 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship is designed for professionals actively engaged in the early care and education field, including but not limited to:

• Parents
• Relative care providers
• Family child care home
• Group child care home
• Child care center administrators and teachers – such as Head Start teachers, pre-k teachers, PK-4 teachers and principals
• Home visitors
• School-age child care providers
• Trainers
• Professors in higher education
• Child care resource and referral professionals
• Researchers

Session Details

The Early Childhood Advocacy Fellowship is an immersive, yearlong program from January to December, featuring monthly in-person meetings supported by small group and individual work between sessions. Each session is led by the Trying Together Policy team, with support from influential voices in early childhood, public policy professionals, and community leaders.

These sessions draw on insights from regional, state, and national experts. They focus on the latest research, policy updates, and strategic approaches to advancing early childhood, while helping fellows strengthen their advocacy skills, expand their networks, and position themselves within the early learning system. Beyond learning, the fellowship offers valuable opportunities for networking, professional growth, and community building.

Fellows also have the chance to travel to Harrisburg to visit the Pennsylvania Capitol Building and meet with legislators. The program culminates in a final project that showcases each fellow’s advocacy journey and vision for future impact.

Application Details

Online applications are being accepted through Saturday, Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Our selection committee aims to create a well-balanced cohort, considering factors such as geography, diversity, experience, and interests. Notifications to all participants will be sent during the first week of December.

More Information

For more information about the 2026 ECE Advocacy Fellowship at Trying Together, contact Hailee B. Roye by email at hailee@tryingtogether.org or by calling 412-692-0573.