CIVIC INNOVATION SUMMER

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 executive departments to brainstorm solutions to problems facing our nation. Previous Fellows have met with representatives from the departments of State, Treasury, Education, and The White House.

Apply

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 The White House to brainstorm solutions to problems facing our nation.

Apply

FAST FACTS

Application

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

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 June 22-29 2024.

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.

OTHER PROGRAMS:
CIVIC INNOVATORS FELLOWSHIP
DIGITAL CITIZEN FELLOWSHIP

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

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 D.C.

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

Travel into Washington in small teams to meet with representatives from the Department of State, Treasury, Transportation, Education, and The White House. Together, you'll brainstorm solutions to problem's they're focused on

COMMUNITY TIME

Return to Georgetown for free time, movie nights, boba-tea runs, and other fun community activities. On some nights, we'll travel in to DC to see the sights! 

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

Who is eligible for the Academy?

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

Is the Civic Innovation Academy at Georgetown Free?

Yes, the program is entirely free. All students in attendance are provided with in  Georgetown University’s Dorms, and three meals throughout the day. The only cost for students is their travel to and from D.C. 
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 D.C. Once they arrive in the local airport/bus station, team members and transportation will be on site to take them to Georgetown University.
Staff will also take them back to their departure terminal at the end of the program.  

I've never been to DC 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 D.C. and meeting with elected officials and government representatives. Sightseeing included!

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 Georgetown verus UCA? 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! | Applications close on April 5th, at 11:59 PM EST‍

Apply to CU!

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