We are an intergenerationally-led organization that equips our Fellows with the training, funding, and community they need to become civic innovators.
Civics Unplugged is an ecosystem dedicated to training, funding, and connecting young people who are using new approaches to solving issues in democracy, climate, our lives online, and so much more.
Civics Unplugged programs blend history, civics, and democracy with emerging technology, culture, and personal development. Our goal is to prepare Fellows to find lifelong pathways in social impact, and be empowered to turn ideas into reality.
They run year-round in-person and virtually. Any high school student can apply.
Our community of program graduates gets access to a suite of tools that help their personal & professional development for life. Graduates can get funding to launch local impact projects, be matched with mentors, find internships, and work to launch new initiatives at Civics Unplugged.
We are intergenerationally led – so our community also votes on all major decisions at Civics Unplugged.
Civics Unplugged Fellows live in all 50 states and 74 countries across the globe.
Fellows graduated
Acceptance Rate
Young women
POC
First-Gen College Students
Civics Unplugged Alumni vote to fund projects led by their peers.
Invested directly into Alumni Civic projects
People impacted beyond the immediate CU Community
Elena won an award for her CU Funded organization, "Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen". They were highlighted by First Lady Jill Biden for their work supporting active military families and young people who constantly move from base to base.
Naomi was appointed to the California State Board of Education by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Sam Young (CT | 15 | CU ‘22) is helping solve the mental health crisis with RestVest, his invention that uses a stylish vest to apply deep pressure therapy to help those who suffer from stress and anxiety.
Joyce Orishaba (CA |17 | CU ‘22) won the New York Times Personal Narrative Competition with a moving submission about the loss of her family and Batwa tribe in Uganda. She ends her essay with: “I will be the river for my people. I am the future.” Joyce hopes to continue advocacy through her organization, Discover The Lost Tribe.
has recycled and donated over 200,000 books through his organization, Eco Brothers, Inc. Chase and his younger brother, Zach, have raised over $100,000 to improve literacy for over 45,000 students in Florida.
SSU aims to provide youth from around the world with the tools and resources necessary to begin and succeed in work surrounding activism and political advocacy.
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 CLOSED!
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: September 15-November 18
Application Deadline: September 1st, 2024
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
APPLICATIONS CLOSED!
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!
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 CLOSED!