Innovation Lab Application Guidelines

The R/ED Innovation Lab is a national leadership program for leaders and teams in state, territorial, Tribal, and local government and related youth-serving systems who are ready to support racial justice and equity initiatives in youth legal systems.

Applications will be evaluated based on the alignment with the below criteria and the potential for meaningful contributions to reducing R/ED within the youth legal system. Teams are encouraged to apply to enhance their capacity to implement reforms effectively and sustainably.

Once the application window opens, we will update this page with submission links, the RFA packet, and other materials. In the meantime, you can find pertinent information below to help prepare for your application.

Tuition and Cost

With the support of OJJDP, participants’ tuition for the Innovation Lab is provided at no cost to the selected jurisdictions. All participants are expected, however, to dedicate their time and effort to fully participate in all cohort meetings and activities.

Selection Criteria

Applicant teams will submit one application packet via the Submittable portal. This application should include the bios and contact information for each team member, as well as essay answers to a number of questions.

  • Applications from multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged and will receive priority and should include up to five members representing various sectors.
  • Teams should show a demonstrated commitment and readiness to advancing racial equity and justice within the youth legal system, as well as a capacity to implement reforms.
  • Team members should be directly involved in driving meaningful transformation within their jurisdiction and be in appropriate professional roles with relevant experience and expertise in youth-serving organizations, such as legal/juvenile justice, child welfare, social services, education, healthcare, and community services.
  • Finally, applicants should have the capacity to engage in an interactive and dynamic learning environment and a willingness to share knowledge, collaborate with peers, and contribute to the collective learning of the cohort.