# Boston immigrant leadership training program

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/boston-immigrant-leadership-training-program
> Updated: 2026-09-28T14:21:34.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The City of Boston, through Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office for Immigrant Advancement, is conducting the fall 2026 session of ‘Immigrants Lead Boston’. This city-sponsored program provides a $575 scholarship to immigrants, including undocumented individuals, to undergo training in community organizing, advocacy, and ‘the art of politics’. 

The curriculum, which includes instruction in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, is designed to teach participants how to build coalitions, engage government officials, and navigate city government. 

While the program has operated since 2020, the current cohort has faced criticism regarding its funding and eligibility requirements. Specifically, the program’s guidelines require applicants to be immigrants and Boston residents, which excludes native-born U.S. citizens, though it remains open to asylum-seekers, green-card holders, and undocumented residents.

## Claims

- The Immigrants Lead Boston program requires candidates to be immigrants and Boston residents. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Applicants may apply regardless of their immigration status. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Participants who complete the program receive a $575 scholarship. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Immigrants Lead Boston program is a 10-week course. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Classes are conducted in English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Boston immigrant leadership program faces criticism over eligibility

Boston’s ‘Immigrants Lead Boston’ program provides $575 scholarships to immigrant residents for civic leadership training, sparking debate over its exclusion of native-born U.S. citizens.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boston-immigrant-leadership-program-faces-criticism-over-eligibility

### 2026-09-26: Boston offers scholarships to immigrants for community organizing training

Boston’s Office for Immigrant Advancement is providing $575 scholarships to immigrants, regardless of status, to participate in a community organizing and political advocacy training program.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boston-offers-scholarships-to-immigrants-for-community-organizing-training

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Cite as: Boston immigrant leadership training program. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/boston-immigrant-leadership-training-program