Muslim Civic Coalition Officially Launches 2026 Young Adults Civic Impact Fellowship
Chicago, Illinois, July 1, 2026 — The Muslim Civic Coalition has officially launched its 2026 Young Adults Civic Impact Fellowship, bringing together 30 emerging Muslim leaders from across the nation for a transformative civic leadership experience.
At this critical moment, the need to develop and invest in the next generation of Muslim leaders has never been more urgent. The Fellowship equips young adults to shape the future of our democracy by building long-term community power and ensuring that laws made for us are made with us.
Through civic education, advocacy training, leadership development, mentorship, and community-building, Fellows will gain the tools needed to strengthen their voices, exercise their rights, and create meaningful change in their communities. As Muslims who have been part of the American story since its founding, we are preparing the next generation to lead.
This year’s cohort represents young adults from across the country who are committed to advancing civic engagement, uplifting Muslim voices, and addressing urgent issues facing their communities.
“I am excited to begin my fellowship along with other aspiring young adult Muslim leaders from around the country,” shared one Fellow. “I look forward to building lasting connections, growing as a leader, and enhancing my voice in order to be a better advocate. The Fellowship is a positive change in the Muslim community that uplifts our voices, and being selected as a Fellow gives me the opportunity to be a part of this change.”
For many Fellows, the program represents both a personal milestone and a collective opportunity to build power within the Muslim community.
“The Coalition’s Young Adults Civic Impact Fellowship is an amazing opportunity to build connections with changemakers across the country,” said Amar Alhkatab from Chicago. “I am excited to gather with people who truly make a difference in our communities and spur change.”
Omar Sabra from Maryland shared that the Fellowship comes at an important time for Muslim civic engagement. “I am excited to learn how to blend faith into how I approach politics and to build a network of young Muslim professionals. Now more than ever, it is important that our community mobilizes and is politically involved. I cannot wait to help bring positive change and impact to our community.”
Fellows also emphasized the importance of gaining practical skills, building community, and developing the confidence to lead.
“I am incredibly grateful to join the 2026 Young Adults Civic Impact Fellowship,” said Saffa Skhi from Northern Illinois. “This program represents a vital step toward making the world a better place and actively empowering fellow Muslims through civic engagement. I hope to gain the tools, insights, and network necessary to drive sustainable change and foster lasting equity in our local communities.”
Osama Basheer from Chicago described being selected as a Fellow as a reflection of years of community service and leadership. “Being selected as a 2026 Fellow feels like a testament to my hard work throughout the past few years, from leading a boys youth group to working as a representative on the Minnesota Youth Council. I look forward to being in a room with people who are driven to tackle civic work seriously. I hope to leave with the tools and community needed to turn issues in my community into lasting change.”
As the Fellowship officially begins, the Muslim Civic Coalition looks forward to supporting this national cohort of young Muslim leaders as they build relationships, sharpen their civic skills, and work toward lasting impact in their communities.
Muslims have been part of the American story since its founding. Now, we’re preparing the next generation to lead.