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.

FAST FACTS

Application

Applications for the Fall '22 class close on August 31st! Our Early Admission deadline is June 30th.

Eligibility

High school students from anywhere in the world. Students on a gap year are also eligible!

Timeline

The program begins in early September and ends in mid November, and requires about two hour per week.

Program

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

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Job Opportunities

Mentorship Matching

One-Off Workshops

Internship Placement

Direct Investment

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
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

TIMELINE

DURING THE PROGRAM

LEARN FROM EXPERTS

CU has a staff of experienced teachers, lawyers, political veterans, foundation officers, and other experts that will guide you through lessons on civic innovation. 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 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 September 29th.

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

false
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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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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The Civic Innovation Academy: Austin, TX [Applications Open!]

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: September 29th

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In-Person