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Civics Unplugged unlocks pathways to purpose for our nations most talented young changemakers.
There are no avenues for young people to experience impact technology or protecting democracy as financially sustainable, exciting, and long-term career paths – making them susceptible to social pressures that incentivize a more traditional (less-impactful) career path.
We exist to show high school students all of the potential ways to unite their passions, social impact, and financial security for life. The funding and community CU provides helps Fellows take the leap, and supports them as they fulfill their purpose and change the world.
63% of young changemakers view their age as a “detrimental factor” in accessing capital to begin or sustain a change-making passion. Studies find that most students have to fund between $100 and $500 of their expenses out of pocket; over a quarter have to put well over $1,000 to support their organizations. These barriers affect all young people, but disproportionately affect those at the margins – who we desperately need involved in community change making efforts. This creates a gap between young people and their passions, that continues to grow as they get older.
When international young leaders were asked how long a grant of $5,000 would last in their organization, 40% of respondents reported that they could utilize the funding for at least one year, with nearly 15% of organizations being able to use the grant for multiple years. Small grants – and the signal of trust that comes along with financial support – create a generation of leaders who can spend time chasing their passions and making social impact. That means young folks will be less likely to take internships or jobs that pull them away from social impact in college or beyond.
While financial support is essential, you cannot just direct money towards kids and expect them to master the non-profit bureaucracy, art of networking, financial literacy and other similar skills overnight. Funding must be paired with a unique training that helps young people understand their skills, the nature of the system they are attempting to shift, how to ideate and develop solutions, how to map out their objectives, and how to operationalize it all. Most importantly, they must be connected with an intergenerational network of collaborators to supercharge their efforts.
That's what Civics Unplugged exists to do.
After all, no one generation can do this work alone.Social change movements over the last century -- the Little Rock Nine, the Greensboro sit-ins, and the climate strike -- have been led by young people. They’ve been at the forefront of harnessing new ideas and new technology to change the world. To invest in Gen Z is to invest in our future -- uplifting their work and allowing them to co-create with adults is fundamental to seeding a brighter tomorrow.
Invested directly into Alumni Civic projects
People impacted beyond the immediate CU Community
Markus is the youngest elected official in Arizona, serving on his school board. He is also the founder of the Keep AZ Blue youth coalition.
Shloka is the founder of Books Beyond Bias, an organization that organizes students to fight book bans in Texas.
Annelise is working to give a voice to students in North Dakota, who are often overlooked by national civics institutions.
Emma is the Founder of GenZCrusade, an organization that creates content about the harms of gun violence, and provides resources to over 30,000 followers. Emma's organization has registered over 12,000 voters and reached millions.
As an Environmental Justice member and Outreach and Education Subcommittee Chair, Saheb has a major say in how Sacramento attempts to achieve carbon neutrality.
Darena is the founder of Educating The World Association, where she raises money to expand access to education and school supplies for young people in Vietnam
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Our fellows get accepted
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