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.

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FAST FACTS

Application

Applications for the Spring '23 Fellowship have closed! All applicants will receive a decision by 2/3/23.

Eligibility

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

Timeline

The program begins in early February and ends in mid April, and requires about two hours per week.

Program

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

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Applications for the Fall '22 Fellowship have closed.
Enter your email to be notified when Spring '23 applications open.

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OTHER PROGRAMS: THE CLIMATE FELLOWSHIP | ThE CIVIC INNOVATION ACADEMY

TOPICS YOU'LL COVER

Throughout the program, you’ll use historical and modern case studies to go deep on the core skills needed to become an innovator.

DIGITAL DEMOCRACY

CLIMATE TECH

URBAN INNOVATION

THE FUTURE OF MEDIA

ORGANIZING

LAW + POLITICS

BECOME A FELLOW

Applications Close on January 31st!

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BECOME A FELLOW

Fellowship Applications for the Spring 2023 Civic Innovators Fellowship closed on January 31st, 2023. Drop your email below to be notified when applications for our Summer and Fall programs open (hint: soon!).

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DuRING THE PROGRAM

LEARN FROM EXPERTS

From elected officials and organizers to investors and CEOs, each lesson during the Civic Innovators Fellowship is taught alongside an expert in the field being discussed. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, pitch ideas, and keep them in your network for life.

DIVE INTO THE FUTURE

Throughout the program, you'll be introduced to the technology and ideas at the forefront of social impact. The 2023 Fellowship kicks off with Fellows having the opportunity to alpha-test leading mobile voting software.

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY

Civics Unplugged is a network for life. After graduation, you'll get onboarded to an Alumni platform only for other Civics Unplugged graduates. A full-time Alumni Director will help you secure funding, find internships, or get connected to key people throughout your leadership journey.

LEARN FROM EXPERTS

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APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Applications for the Fall '22 Fellowship have closed.
Enter your email to be notified when Spring '23 applications open.

FELLOW SUCCESSES

50

States Represented

350

Fellows per Cohort

11%

Average Acceptance Rate

TED Talk

Shreya Joshi
,
19
Illinois

Shreya was invited to deliver a TED Talk in Vancouver about her work helping young people become engaged in the political process.

First Lady's Award

Elena Ashburn
,
18
Florida

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.

Appointed to California Board of Education

Naomi Porter
,
18
California

Naomi was appointed to the California State Board of Education by Governor Gavin Newsom.

FEATURED
CASE BRIEFS

Case Briefs consist of an analysis of a vexing problem facing a particular sector of society. For example, a Fellow may examine how an increase in flooding on the Mississippi river has impacted commerce in the south and midwest, and propose solutions to mitigate the effects.

"Solving the Climate Crisis in Missouri" 

Fellow, ##, Place
READ

"Solving the Climate Crisis in Missouri" 

Fellow, ##, Place
READ

"Solving the Climate Crisis in Missouri" 

Fellow, ##, Place
READ

"Solving the Climate Crisis in Missouri" 

Fellow, ##, Place
READ

"Solving the Climate Crisis in Missouri" 

Fellow, ##, Place
READ

Questions?
We’ve got answers!

How many hours a week is the Fellowship? 

The Fellowship requires about 2-3 hours a week of a mix of lectures, reading, group discussion, and work time. We will also offer weekly office hours and additional discussion time for students who have the time and willingness to go above and beyond on their developmental journey.

Who is eligible for the Fellowship?

You are eligible if you will be enrolled in high school (or on a gap year) during your Fellowship class.

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? 

CU runs two fellowships a year, in the Spring and the Fall. The Spring '23 application closes on January 31st 2023.