The award is named after Jamala Rogers, a long-time respected community leader, who became active in social justice movements as a teen. She has inspired thousands of young people to use their time, talents, and skills to transform their lives and their communities in meaningful ways.
Requirements
- Applicant must submit a 500-750-word concept paper/video about their vision of social justice and a project they initiated or participated in that brought about fundamental change for a specific population or neighborhood. Elaborate on why youth are important as change agents.
- A letter is required from an adult associated with the program or project who can confirm the applicant’s involvement and their impact.
- The application package can also include photos, news clippings, etc., that document the project.
Possible Ways to Utilize the Monetary Award
- Special project or campaign
The selected recipient can apply the monetary award to a special project that the applicant will undertake to address a
problem. A project overview must be included. This could be a community campaign, a video about an issue, etc. - Towards tuition or other expenses
The monetary award will be made directly to the institution that the applicant is already enrolled in or will enroll in the
next academic semester. This could be a vocational school, university, etc. - The selected recipient can use the monetary award to attend a leadership development or organizing training, enhancing their effectiveness as a change agent. The award will be paid directly to the training
organization and must be used within one year.
The deadline for applications is December 31, 2025. The application must be mailed to PO Box 5277, St. Louis, MO 63115, or emailed to ycpd.stl@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events

FROM PROTEST TO POLICY: The Struggle for Local Control Continues – 4/9/26
Join us for an important conversation examining the ongoing fight for community control and police accountability. Beginning with the police killing of Marilyn Banks, this panel will trace the organizing strategies led by the Coalition Against Police Crimes & Repression (CACPR) to advance local control and establish an independent civilian oversight board.

Reject The Takeover Mass Emergency Meeting – 4/1/2026
The Board of Police Commissioners is demanding $250-350 million of OUR tax dollars to fund police. St. Louisans are coming together to stop this attack and demand that St. Louis City’s budget go towards services and resources that actually help our communities–things like mental health service expansion, Right to Counsel, and funding for a just recovery in North City.

NMC Ribbon Cutting & Community Open House – 2/27/2026
Friday, Feb 27 from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm CST Celebrate the grand opening of the Northside Movement Center, the new shared home for Action St. Louis & ArchCity Defenders!