Civic Innovators Fellowship 2026–2027 | Free Virtual Fellowship for High School Students

The Civic Innovators Fellowship (CIF) 2026–2027 is inviting applications from high school students and eligible gap-year students who are passionate about making a positive difference in their communities. The fellowship is a free, virtual 16-week programme designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, networks and opportunities needed to become effective civic innovators.

Organized by Civics Unplugged, the fellowship brings together young people from across the United States and internationally for interactive sessions focused on history, democracy, technology, culture, leadership and purpose.

About the Civic Innovators Fellowship

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is designed for young people who are ready to take action rather than wait until the future to create change.

Over the course of the programme, Fellows participate in weekly discussion-based sessions, develop practical skills and explore how they can apply what they learn to challenges in their own communities.

Fellows also become part of a close-knit community of peers and gain opportunities to connect with alumni mentors from their region.

The programme runs across the academic year, with the fellowship beginning in September 2026 and continuing through April 2027.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected Fellows gain access to a range of learning, networking and development opportunities.

Free Virtual Programme

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is free to participate in and delivered online, making it accessible to students who meet the eligibility requirements regardless of their location.

Civic Leadership and Practical Skills

Participants develop knowledge and skills related to:

• History and democracy
• Technology and culture
• Civic engagement
• Community problem-solving
• Leadership and personal purpose
• Creating positive community change

Access to Funding and Opportunities

After completing the fellowship, Fellows join the Civics Unplugged Community, where they can gain access to networks and funding opportunities designed to support their civic projects and ideas.

Graduates may also receive access to paid roles, project funding and all-expenses-paid travel opportunities, as well as opportunities to connect with organizations working to create meaningful change.

Exclusive Programmes

Completion of the fellowship provides exclusive access to Civics Unplugged programmes, including Civic Innovation Academies and the Civic Innovation Lab.

Peer and Alumni Network

Fellows become part of a community of young people and alumni mentors who can provide support, connections and inspiration throughout their civic innovation journey.

Who Can Apply?

The Civic Innovators Fellowship is open to:

• Students who are currently enrolled in high school; or
• Students whose first gap year began in June 2026.

The programme welcomes international applicants. However, the fellowship content and additional opportunities are primarily U.S.-focused and delivered in English.

International applicants are encouraged to explain what they hope to contribute to and learn from a U.S.-focused civic programme.

No Traditional Academic Requirements

One of the distinctive features of the Civic Innovators Fellowship is its admissions philosophy.

Applicants are not required to submit GPAs, IQ tests, SAT scores, ACT scores or resumes as part of the assessment.

Instead, the programme seeks to understand applicants based on who they are, what they have done and what they hope to do.

The fellowship emphasizes potential, curiosity, commitment and a willingness to make a difference rather than relying solely on traditional academic achievements.

Fellowship Schedule

The fellowship includes required weekly live sessions.

First Fellowship Lesson: Monday, September 28, 2026

Weekly Sessions: Mondays at 7:30 PM ET

Fall Sessions End: November 16, 2026

The spring portion of the fellowship will begin in early February 2027 and conclude in early April 2027.

Applicants should only apply if they can commit to attending the required weekly live sessions.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Civic Innovators Fellowship 2026–2027 is:

September 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST

All admissions decisions are expected to be released on September 21, 2026.

Applicants who successfully submit their applications should receive a confirmation email. If a confirmation email does not arrive, applicants are advised to check their spam folder.

Application Requirements

Applicants will complete personal information questions and several short-answer questions.

The short-answer section includes questions about:

• Personal values and identity
• Community involvement
• Taking initiative
• Responsibility and leadership
• Skills learned independently
• Long-term commitment

Each written response must be 1,500 characters (approximately 300 words) or less.

Applicants will also provide a one-minute video response discussing something they have remained committed to over a long period of time, or explaining why they want the fellowship to become their first long-term commitment.

How to Apply

Interested students should complete the online application before the deadline.

Application Deadline: September 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST

Application Link: Civic Innovators Fellowship 2026-2027 

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their responses in a separate document before submitting them through the application form.

For more information about Civics Unplugged and the Civic Innovators Fellowship, visit the official programme website.

Important Information for Applicants

Applicants should carefully consider the required time commitment before applying. Weekly live lessons take place every Monday at 7:30 PM ET, and attendance is required.

International applicants are welcome, but should remember that the fellowship is delivered in English and focuses substantially on the U.S. civic context.

The programme is particularly suited to students who are curious, proactive and interested in using their ideas and skills to address challenges in their communities.

Conclusion

The Civic Innovators Fellowship 2026–2027 offers high school students an opportunity to develop civic leadership skills, connect with a community of like-minded young people and gain practical experience in creating positive change.

With free participation, virtual learning, peer and alumni networks, access to funding and project opportunities, and exclusive post-fellowship programmes, CIF can provide a strong foundation for young people interested in civic innovation and community impact.

If you are a high school student or an eligible first-year gap student who is ready to take action and contribute to your community, consider applying before the September 4, 2026 deadline.

Discover more fellowship opportunities like this HERE.