CIVIC INNOVATION SUMMER

The Civic Innovation Academy is a one-week, in-person experience designed for the most innovative young change-makers. You'll join 50 fellow change-makers and delve into the world of civic innovation, guided by expert-led workshops, enlightening site visits, and collaborative projects with leading figures from both government and the private sector.

Hosted at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles, the program is meticulously designed to help Fellows learn about civic innovation, connect with other changemakers, and explore the rich culture and beauty of California.

Apply

The Civic Innovation Academy is a one-week, in-person experience designed for the most innovative young change-makers. You'll join 50 fellow change-makers and delve into the world of Civic Innovation, guided by expert-led workshops, enlightening site visits, and collaborative projects with leading figures from both government and the private sector.

Hosted at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles, the program is meticulously designed to help Fellows learn about civic innovation, connect with other changemakers, and explore the rich culture and beauty of California.

Apply

FAST FACTS

Application

The application for the 2024 Civic Innovation Academy: UCLA closes on April 5th, 2024.

Eligibility

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

Timeline

Extended Deadline! | Applications close on April 5th, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. All applicants will be notified of their admission decision by April 30th.  

The program runs Aug 11-17 2024.

Program

The program is in person in Los Angeles, California. The program is free, including housing at UCLA and all meals. Accepted students cover their own travel costs, but financial aid is available.

OTHER PROGRAMS:
CIVIC INNOVATION ACADEMY: GEORGETOWN

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

CHECK OUT LAST YEAR'S SYLLABUS
Learn More

JOIN THE ACADEMY

Apply to 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
Spring '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

"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
Spring '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

A DAY IN LA

ACTIVITIES & 
BREAKFAST

Kick off the day with a morning run, workout, meditation session, or other activities guided by Civics Unplugged staff. Then, grab breakfast with your class!

INNOVATION SESSIONS

Led by members of the CU Team, you’ll start the day with a deep dive in systems thinking, history, organizing and tech. Guest speakers will join throughout the day for fireside chats and in-depth workshops.

SITE VISITS

Venture into the heart of Los Angeles in small, collaborative teams to engage with key representatives from local and state government departments, including those focused on urban development, education, transportation, and economic policy.

COMMUNITY TIME

Return to UCLA for leisurely breaks, game nights, boba tea outings, and a variety of enjoyable community activities. On some days, we'll hit the beach for surfing lessons or explore the heart of Los Angeles.

SOME PREVIOUS 
SPEAKERS

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 >
READ MORE CASE BRIEFS

Questions?
We’ve got answers!

Will there be chaperones? 

Yes. UCLA and Civics Unplugged staff will be on-site 24/7. All staff will have undergone the necessary screening and training as required by UCLA.

Who is eligible for the Academy?

High school students from anywhere in the US. Students whose gap year began in June 2024 are also eligible to apply. 

Is the Civic Innovation Academy at UCLA Free?

Yes, the program is entirely free. All students in attendance are provided with housing in UCLA's  Dorms, and three meals throughout the day. The only cost for students is their travel to and from LA. 
If you believe you will have trouble covering this cost, please still apply. Students will have the opportunity to apply for financial aid once they have been accepted to the program. It is our commitment to keep all Civics Unplugged programs 100% accessible to all students who are accepted.

Can you accommodate dietary and disability needs? 

Yes! Once accepted, our team will reach out to ensure all accommodations are met.

How does travel work? 

Students are responsible for their own travel to and from LA. Once they arrive at the local airport/bus station, team members and transportation will be on site to take them to UCLA.

Staff will also take them back to their departure terminal at the end of the program.  

I've never been to LA before; will I have time to see the city? 

Most educational sessions will take place in the morning. Students will spend the rest of the day in small groups, exploring LA and meeting with elected officials and private sector leaders.

Will I have a roomate? 

Yes, all Fellows will have a roommate. Roommates are asigned in accordance with UCLA dorm policy

What is the difference between the program at UCLA verus Georgetown? Can I apply to both? 

Both Civic Innovation Academies have the same core curriculum, but leverage their geographic location to provide on-site collaboration opportunities for fellows. At Georgetown, those visits are much more federal government focused, while at UCLA, students will explore more climate & STEM related avenues of civics.

Fellows can only apply to one Civic Innovation Academy.

What is the acceptance rate? 

Typically our in-person programs have a 5-10% 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 both the Civic Innovation Academy at Georgetown and UCLA close on April 1st, 2024.

Have a question? Email us!

APPLY NOW!

Extended Deadline! | April 5th, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST‍

Apply to CU!

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 5th, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST

Learn More & Apply
true
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

Learn More & Apply
false
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

Learn More & Apply
false
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!

Learn More & Apply
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 5th, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST

‍

Learn More & Apply
true

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