You'll travel to Austin, Texas – one of the country's fastest growing cities – to learn about the harms and benefits of rapid urbanization. The program is 100% tuition free.

You'll meet with Austin-based activists, CEOs, and legislators to learn about the systems of government, transportation, energy, housing, and grassroots organizing. They'll show you the solutions they are using to support different populations as the city grows, from 3D-printed homes to housing co-ops.

At the end of the program, you'll work with your peers to pitch your own solutions to a board of experts. Graduates can access funding, scholarships, internships, and more.

FAST FACTS

Application

Application for the Civic Innovation Academy: Austin close on October 6th. The application consists of a few short-answer questions, and applicants who advance to the final round will be invited to interview.

Eligibility

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

Timeline

All applicants will be notified of their admissions decision by October 15th. The program runs from:
November 16th-19th, 2023.

Program

The program is in person in Austin, Texas. 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 grassroots organizers who've been working in Austin for decades, CEOs who have taken their companies public, and members of state government working to solve some of Austin's biggest issues.

GOVERNMENT

EQUITABLE HOUSING

TRANSPORTATION

ENERGY SYSTEMS

EDUCATION

ORGANIZING

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 AUSTIN, TX

DURING THE PROGRAM

CONTEXTUALIZE THE ISSUES

This program is designed to give students an up-close view of the challenges and opportunities facing rapidly-expanding cities. You will learn about the systemic impact of rapid growth, including issues such as housing affordability, transportation, and environmental sustainability. You will also meet with people who have experienced these challenges firsthand, as well as those who are working to fix them.

DIVE INTO THE FUTURE

Civics Unplugged has a diverse network of legislators, activists, scientists, and CEOs working to build the future of Austin. You'll go from meetings with members of Austin City Council to touring a village of 3D printed homes in Austin – an experience you can't get anywhere else.

EXPLORE AUSTIN

Austin is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world calling it home. This diversity is reflected in the city's food, music, and art scene. Each day, you'll have the opportunity to eat at amazing restaurants, listen to local music, and explore the cultural scene with a local guide.

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!

Deadline: September 29th 2023
Decisions Released: October 15th 2023

OTHER PROGRAMS

The Civic Innovation Academy: Washington D.C.

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75 Fellows

Program Dates: June 2024

Applications Open: January 2024

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Climate Innovators Fellowship

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Applications Open: January 2024

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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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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.

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COMING SOON!

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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