The Civic Innovation Academy is a one-week, in-person experience designed for the most innovative young change-makers. Over the course of a week, you’ll join a cohort of 75 Civic Fellows from across the country, and meet face-to-face with legislators, organizers, CEOs, and academics to explore the diverse world of change.

You'll use what you've learned to work directly with staff from the departments of State, Treasury, Education, and Transportation to brainstorm solutions to problems facing our nation.

FAST FACTS

Application

Application for the 2024 Civic Innovation Academy open in January 2024. The application contains a written component, and some applicants will be invited to interview.

Eligibility

U.S. based high school students. Students who graduate High School in June ‘24 may also apply.

Timeline

Admissions are rolling, and all students will know if they’ve been accepted by April 31st.  

Program

The program is in person in Washington D.C. The program is free, including housing + meals. Accepted students cover their own travel costs, but financial aid is available.-

TOPICS

Throughout the Academy, you’ll learn from social-change experts across sectors, and work in teams to explore D.C. and create solutions to real-world issues.

CLIMATE

EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

LAW + GOVERNMENT

TECHNOLOGY

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

JOIN THE ACADEMY

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
CU F. 2 Fellow

"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
CU F. 2 Fellow

"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
CU F. 2 Fellow

"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
CU F. 2 Fellow

"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
CU F. 2 Fellow

A DAY IN D.C.

DURING THE PROGRAM

LEARN FROM EXPERTS

The Academy gives you the opportunity to work alongside top officials at the departments of State, Treasury, Education, and Transportation, among others. No other program puts you in the room with the people impacting policy at such a high level. 

DIVE INTO THE FUTURE

The Academy allows you to remove yourself from the grind of tests, applications, and deadlines to focus on thinking about the future of your communities and the country. We give you the tools to start designing a future that is not stuck in the past. 

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY

You’ll be working alongside the most innovative, dedicated, diverse high schoolers from around the country at the Academy. Our alums often cite the Academy as the place they made their new best friends!

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 Innovation Academy?

The Civic Innovation Academy: Austin runs from Thursday-Sunday. Most programming will occur from 8:30am-6pm, with breaks spread throughout the day.

Who is eligible for the Fellowship?

U.S. based high school students. Students who graduate High School in June ‘24 may also apply.

Is the Academy Free?

Yes! It costs nothing to participate in the Academy or any other Civics Unplugged program. We do ask that students cover their own travel, but accepted students will have the opportunity to request financial support to cover the costs.

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. Applicants that move to the second stage will be invited to interview with CU team members and alumni.

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 Applications for the Civic Innovation Academy: Austin close on October 6th.

APPLY NOW!

Early Decision Deadline: June 30th 2022
Regular Decision Dealine: August 31st 2022

OTHER PROGRAMS

The Civic Innovation Academy: Washington D.C.

The Academy gives you the opportunity to attend workshops led by members of Congress and top 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

Program Dates: June 2024

Applications Open: January 2024

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In-Person

Climate Innovators Fellowship

The Climate Innovators Fellowship is an in depth exploration of the markets, technologies, and legislative policies that drive climate action. From complex energy systems to climate finance, the Climate Innovators Fellowship gives students a graduate-level education in the energy transition.

100 Fellows

Program Dates: March-May 2024

Applications Open: January 2024

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Online

Civic Innovators Fellowship

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is designed for young leaders who have innovative ideas to solve community issues – and want to start building them now. You'll learn the skills of civic innovation, dive deep into case studies and solve-a-thons, and get matched with mentors, internships, and funding opportunities.

350 Fellows

Program Runs September - November 2023

Application Deadline: September 01

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Online

The Digital Rights Fellowship

The Digital Rights Fellowship gives you all the tools you need to understand emerging technology and build a brighter digital world. Dive deep into algorithms, AI, digital culture, social media, data privacy, AI, and more.

150 Fellows

COMING SOON!

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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 Close: October 6th

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In-Person