The Kutoa Advocacy Program is a student-led initiative that empowers high schoolers to serve, lead, and create impact through year-round service and leadership opportunities.

Kutoa Advocacy Program

What is the program?

The Kutoa Advocacy Program is a year-round leadership and service initiative for high school students (ages 14–18) who want to make a difference. It’s designed to help students develop as changemakers through monthly engagement, youth-led projects, and hands-on support of Kutoa Foundation’s mission to bring hope, essentials, and education to vulnerable children.

Based in the Cleveland area, this program is especially great for students looking to make local impact while also building valuable connections with like-minded leaders, nonprofits, and changemakers. Whether you're just beginning your service journey or ready to take on leadership, this is a space where you can grow.

What will I do?

As a member, you’ll join monthly virtual meetings, participate in fundraising campaigns, participate in mission-related service events, and work alongside other motivated students across schools. You'll collaborate, plan events, contribute ideas, and grow your leadership skills—whether you’re just starting or ready to lead.

There are two tiers in the program:

  • Ambassadors (Entry Level): Focus on participation, spreading awareness, and joining events.

  • Advocates (Leadership Level): Take initiative, mentor others, lead projects, and represent Kutoa.

All members are reevaluated every 6 months based on involvement. You can move between tiers depending on your growth and participation.

What will I get?

  • Verified community service hours

  • Leadership experience and training

  • Recognition on Kutoa’s platforms

  • Priority access to events and project roles

  • Meaningful networking opportunities with youth leaders, nonprofits, and guest speakers

  • A space to make real impact, locally and globally

  • And so much more!

How do I apply?

The Kutoa Advocacy Program has open enrollment, meaning you can apply anytime during the year — and the process is simple.

Step 1: Click the button below to fill out your application.
Step 2: Within one week, you'll receive more information and will likely be invited to a short zoom interview.
Step 3: After the interview, we’ll determine your placement as an Ambassador, Advocate, or let you know if we recommend reapplying later.


Please Note: The Kutoa Advocacy Program is Open to any high school student (ages 14–18) from the Greater-Cleveland area.

FAQs

  • Any high school student between the ages of 14 and 18 who lives in the Greater Cleveland area and wants to make a difference through service and leadership. You don’t need prior experience—just a passion for impact.

  • Yes. The program is currently open only to students in the greater Cleveland area so we can offer consistent local engagement and in-person opportunities.

  • Yes. While monthly meetings are held virtually, we may offer in-person events, service projects, and networking conferences for students in our Advocacy Program across Northeast Ohio.

  • Your time commitment can be flexible. At minimum, we ask for one virtual meeting per month and participation in one service initiative per 6-month term. However, the more you engage and contribute, the more likely you are to move into the Advocate tier or be offered leadership opportunities. We also aim to maintain a balanced group of Advocates with representation from different schools across the Cleveland area.

  • No. The program is completely free to participate in—there is no charge at any stage of the application or membership process.

  • Definitely. You’ll connect with new people, work on meaningful causes, and grow in leadership—all while having a great time with a supportive community.

  • Feel free to reach out to us anytime at contact@kutoafoundation.org — we’d love to talk with you!