The Civic Innovators Fellowship is designed for young leaders who are passionate about solving community issues and want to channel their passion into innovative action.

From urban innovation to law & politics, the Fellowship will help you explore systemic issues and the innovative solutions being used to solve them.

By the end of the program, you'll have a better understanding of how to be a civic innovator – and you'll have built the knowledge, network, and funding you need to pursue your passions and launch projects that change the world.

FAST FACTS

Application

Applications for the Spring 2024 class close on February 1st, 2024. 

Eligibility

High school students from anywhere in the world. Students whose gap year began in June 2023 are also eligible to apply. 

Timeline

The program begins in early February and ends in mid-April  and requires about two hours per week.

Program

The program is digital-first and entirely free for accepted students.

OTHER PROGRAMS:

TOPICS WE'LL COVER

Just a few of the fields you'll dive into during the Fellowship.

REINVENTING 
JUSTICE

THE FUTURE
OF CITIES

MEDIA & 
MISINFORMATION

LAW + GOVERNMENT

AI &
 EDUCATION

DIGITAL 
DIPLOMACY

WHY BE A FELLOW?

Your path as a civic innovator extends far beyond the completion of the program. As a graduate of the Fellowship, you will unlock a tailored collection of empowerment tools designed to assist you in following your passions and making a significant impact on the world.

Job Opportunities

Mentorship Matching

One-Off Workshops

Internship Placement

Project Funding

Specialized Training Programs

WHAT OUR FELLOWS
ARE SAYING

"Civics Unplugged has broadened my perspective on events, people, and life in general. I live in a rather small bubble, and so connecting with fellows across the world reminded me to take into account multiple situations and views before acting."

Joleen Wong
15
Los Angeles, California
Fall '22

"CU has prompted me to look deep into my desires and skills to future cast and identify what careers I can pursue, what lifestyle I want to achieve, and what my definition of success looks like. With this, CU empowered me and made me feel unstoppable."

Aaron Piando
18
McAllen, Texas
Spring '21

"At Civics Unplugged, I met amazing people, many of whom I'm lucky enough to call very close friends. I've developed such close relationships with my peers that I honestly cannot imagine my life without their support."

Arpita Singh
16
Phoenix, Arizona
Fall '22

"Civics Unplugged is a second home for me. I often find myself most comfortable in the CU Community, where I've met lifelong friends and mentors. The Fellowship also gave me long lasting opportunities that I would not have been able to receive at my public high school with limited resources."

Dariel Cruz-Rodriquez
18
Orlando, Florida
Fall '20

"The Fellowship enabled me to launch a career in social-change. While our education system teaches the youth to wait their turn, Civics Unplugged accelerates the projects, potential, and power of our generation to build a brighter future."

Zoë Jenkins
18
Lexington, KY
Fall '20

TIMELINE

DURING THE PROGRAM

LEARN FROM EXPERTS

CU has a staff of experienced teachers, lawyers, political veterans and researchers that will guide you through lessons on civic innovation and act as resources for you. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend small sessions featuring guest speakers from the industries most ripe for civic innovation.

DIVE INTO THE FUTURE

CU’s curriculum is designed to prepare you for a future where you need to know more than just the 3 branches of government. You will dive deep on the future of politics, media, tech, urban planning, transportation, and much more. 

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY

CU gives you the opportunity to meet other burgeoning young leaders from around the world. Alumni often say the most rewarding piece of the Fellowship is the weekly, small group discussions with other fellows. Many alumni found their best friends in these groups!

CASE BRIEFS

Case brief title

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is designed for young leaders who have innovative ideas to solve community issues – and want to start building them now.The Fellowship gives you the knowledge, network, and funding to pursue your passions and launch projects that change the world.

Aaron Piando
18
McAllen, Texas
READ MORE >

Case brief title

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is designed for young leaders who have innovative ideas to solve community issues – and want to start building them now.The Fellowship gives you the knowledge, network, and funding to pursue your passions and launch projects that change the world.

Darena Nguyen
16
Texas
READ MORE >

Case brief title

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is designed for young leaders who have innovative ideas to solve community issues – and want to start building them now.The Fellowship gives you the knowledge, network, and funding to pursue your passions and launch projects that change the world.

Annelise Klein
18
North Dakota
READ MORE >

Case brief title

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is designed for young leaders who have innovative ideas to solve community issues – and want to start building them now.The Fellowship gives you the knowledge, network, and funding to pursue your passions and launch projects that change the world.

Aaron Piando
18
McAllen, Texas
READ MORE >

Questions?
We’ve got answers!

How long is the Civic Innovators Fellowship? 

The Fellowship requires about 2 hours per week, and consists of a weekly lesson, and some asynchronous work. It begins in February and ends in mid-April.  

Who is eligible for the Fellowship?

High school students from anywhere in the world. Students whose gap year began in June 2023 are also eligible to apply. 

Is the Fellowship Free?

Yes! It costs nothing to participate in the Fellowship or any other Civics Unplugged program.

What is the acceptance rate? 

Typically our programs have a 10-14% acceptance rate.

What are the application requirements?

The application consists of basic demographic information and a few written response questions to gauge your potential as a civic innovator.

Does CU have a political affiliation?

No, CU is a non-partisan organization. And in fact, our training helps students grow into thinkers and leaders whose identity and impact transcend conventional political bounds.

When do applications open and close? 

The application for the Civic Innovators Fellowship - Spring 2024 opens on December 1st, 2023 and closes on February 1st, 2024. 

APPLY NOW!

Deadline: February 1st, 2024

Questions?
We’ve got answers!

How long is the Civic Innovators Fellowship? 

There are 8 weeks of lessons and an extra two weeks to complete your final project called a Case Brief.

Who is eligible to apply?

High school students from anywhere in the world. Students whose gap year began in June 2023 are also eligible to apply. 

Is the Fellowship Free? 

Yes! It costs nothing to participate in the Fellowship or any other Civics Unplugged program.

What is the acceptance rate? 

Typically our programs have a 10-14% acceptance rate.

What are the application requirements?

The application consists of basic demographic information and a few written response questions to gauge your potential as a civic innovator.

Does CU have a political affiliation? 

No, CU is a non-partisan organization. And in fact, our training helps students grow into thinkers and leaders whose identity and impact transcend conventional political bounds.

When do applications open and close? 

The application for the Civic Innovators Fellowship - Spring 2024 opens on December 1st, 2023 and closes on February 1st, 2024. 

OTHER PROGRAMS

The Civic Innovation Academy: Georgetown

The Academy gives you the opportunity to attend workshops led by members of Congress and CEOs, and work alongside top officials at the departments of State, Treasury, Education, and Transportation. No other program puts you in the room with the people impacting policy at such a high level. 

75 Fellows 

In Person

Program Dates: June 22-29, 2024

Applications Close: April 1st, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST

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In-Person

Civic Innovators Fellowship

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is designed for young leaders who are passionate about solving community issues and want to channel their passion into innovative action. You'll learn the  5 skills of a civic innovator, dive deep into case studies and solvathons, and get matched with mentors, internships, and funding opportunities.

‍350 fellows

Virtual

Program Dates: February - April 

Application Deadline: February 1st, 2024

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Online

The Digital Citizen Fellowship

The Digital Citizen Fellowship is a 10 week educational program for high school students interested in data, AI, algorithms, social media, and the digital world. During the program, you’ll learn about everything from the history of the internet and machine learning to how new technologies can strengthen our democracy.

100 Fellows

Virtual

Program Dates: February - April 

Application Deadline: January 21st, 2024

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Online

The Civic Innovation Academy: Austin TX

Travel to Austin, TX to attend workshops led by experts in housing, transportation, energy, jobs, and public infrastructure who are solving challenges in one of the country's fastest growing cities.

30 Fellows

Program Dates: November 16-19 2023

APPLICATIONS CLOSED!

false
In-Person

The Civic Innovation Academy: UCLA

The Academy gives you the opportunity to attend workshops led by members of Congress and CEOs, work alongside leading researchers and private companies, and explore the civic innovation happening in Los Angeles.

50 Fellows

In Person at UCLA

Program Dates: Aug 11-17, 2024

Applications Close: April 1st, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST

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