Snow-Redfern Foundation is excited to announce the selected participants for the 2026 Root2Rise and Young Men Rising Youth Leadership cohorts.
These virtual leadership learning labs bring together young people from communities across Nebraska to explore leadership, personal growth, meaningful connection, and the impact they can make within their schools, communities, and future careers. Through guided conversations, reflection, peer learning, and relationship-building, participants engage in experiences designed to strengthen confidence, amplify youth voice, and encourage collaborative leadership.
Each cohort includes six youth selected from across the state and will participate in a series of virtual sessions throughout the fall. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a $2,000 scholarship award in honor of Snow-Redfern Foundation founder, Arvilla Snow-Redfern.
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The foundation believes leadership development is not about creating a single type of leader. Instead, these programs are designed to create space for young people to explore who they are, deepen their understanding of their strengths and values, and discover how they can contribute to the communities around them.
Root2Rise young women’s leadership program
Root2Rise is a leadership learning lab designed for young women interested in exploring leadership, confidence, connection, and opportunities connected to trades, agriculture, and STEM pathways. The program creates space for authentic conversation, reflection, mentorship, and collaborative learning alongside peers from across Nebraska.
The 2026 Root2Rise cohort will once again be facilitated by Dr. Maya Chilese of Blue Agate Collaborative, LLC, whose work centers participatory practices, meaningful engagement, and community-centered leadership.
Final Root2Rise cohort selections include:
Young Men Rising leadership program
Young Men Rising is designed to support young men in exploring leadership, identity, personal growth, and meaningful connection while creating space for honest conversations, reflection, and learning alongside peers from across the state.
The program encourages participants to explore leadership in ways that are grounded in authenticity, resilience, accountability, and community impact. Sessions focus on relationship-building, leadership development, future planning, and personal reflection.
The 2026 Young Men Rising cohort will be facilitated by Jesse Davy.
Final Young Men Rising cohort selections include:
Together, these twelve young leaders represent communities from across Nebraska and bring with them a wide range of experiences, perspectives, strengths, and aspirations.
“We continue to be inspired by the thoughtfulness, courage, and potential reflected in the applications we receive each year,” said Sara Wilcox. “These cohorts are about more than leadership development. They are about creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, connected, and empowered to recognize the impact they can have in their communities and beyond.”
