Child Care and Health Fellowships Now Open
Now Accepting Applications for Two Programs
Building Local Leadership for Missouri Children and Families
Applications Now Open for Missouri Leadership Fellowships Focused on Children, Families, and Community Advocacy
Parents, child care providers, and healthcare professionals understand the challenges facing Missouri families better than anyone. Two statewide fellowship opportunities are now open to help those voices grow into leadership and advocacy.
The 2026-2027 Early Care and Education Leader Fellowship and the new 2026-2027 Health Leaders Fellowship are designed to help participants better understand Missouri’s legislative process while gaining hands-on experience advocating for children and families.
Supported by New Growth, both fellowship opportunities are coordinated by Kids Win Missouri, with the Health Leaders Fellowship also offered in partnership with Missouri Budget Project.
The Early Care and Education Leader Fellowship focuses on strengthening child care and early education systems through the voices of parents and providers. The Health Leaders Fellowship focuses on Missouri health policies and systems that impact children and families,including Medicaid, SNAP, maternal and child health, behavioral health, and related issues.
The Early Care and Education Leader Fellowship will include up to 30 fellows statewide. In the New Growth region, one parent and one child care provider from Cedar, Henry, Polk, or St. Clair counties will be selected to participate in the Early Care and Education Leader Fellowship. New Growth will serve as the local community partner, working alongside and supporting fellows throughout the program year.
The Health Leaders Fellowship will include 15 fellows statewide in its pilot cohort, bringing together parents, healthcare providers, and advocates from across Missouri.
Both fellowship programs run from July 2026through June 2027.
What Fellows Receive
• A $1,000 stipend for active participation with at least 80% attendance
• Virtual leadership and advocacy trainings throughout the year
• Hands-on advocacy experiences and legislative engagement opportunities
• Travel and meal expenses covered for in-person events
• Support from statewide and regional partners throughout the fellowship year
Fellows will participate in virtual trainings focused on advocacy, leadership development, media and communications, policy,community engagement, and storytelling for impact. Participants will also attend in-person advocacy opportunities such as Veto Session and Child Advocacy Day in Jefferson City.
Why It Matters
Families, child care providers, and healthcare professionals experience the realities of Missouri systems every day. These fellowships are designed to help turn those lived experiences into informed advocacy and community leadership.
By helping local voices better understand policy and engage directly with elected officials, these programs work to strengthen systems that impact children, families, health, and access to care across Missouri communities.
Whether someone is caring for young children, operating a child care program, supporting patients, or navigating these systems personally, their experiences and perspectives matter.
How to Apply
Recruitment is taking place now, with fellows expected to be selected by mid-June 2026.
Learn more and apply with the Early Care and Education Leader Fellowship Application.
Learn more and apply with the Health Leaders Fellowship Application.