Inspired Democracy Starts with Inspired Students
Youth Engagement at iCivics
Civic learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms: It happens when young people step forward and shape the conversation.
Youth engagement at iCivics provides a national platform for students who care about democracy and dialogue, and believe in our country’s future and their role in shaping the world around them.
Through the Carnegie Youth Fellowship at iCivics, Alumni Network, and expanding youth movement, students don’t just learn about civics—they lead it.
We welcome students to form their own opinions, contributing important and unique voices to the public conversation about civic education and engagement in the United States.
A paid, national civic leadership experience for high school students ready to strengthen civic learning and engagement in their communities.
The Carnegie Youth Fellowship brings together high school students from across the country to explore civic issues, exchange perspectives, and lead meaningful change. Fellows collaborate, conduct research, and amplify youth voice in shaping the future of civic learning and engagement.
As part of the program, students:
Engage in virtual meetings and group projects
Build and lead student voice campaigns
Attend an annual convening in Washington, D.C.
Serve as a youth ambassador for civic education
Inside the Fellowship
Fellows begin their experience with a multi-day symposium in Washington, D.C., where they meet peers from across the country and launch the program together.
Throughout the year, Fellows meet regularly via Zoom with their national cohort while also engaging in civic learning experiences within their own communities. Along the way, students build a Civic Engagement Portfolio, conduct a Community Research Project, and collaborate with peers to share ideas and findings with broader audiences.
Each cohort brings together students from across the country—different communities, backgrounds, and beliefs—creating a rare space where pluralism isn’t just a concept. It’s the room you’re sitting in.
By the end of the program, Fellows leave with new civic skills, meaningful connections nationwide, and a stronger voice in shaping the future of civic learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the Carnegie Youth Fellowship?
The Fellowship is open to high school students in grades 9–12 who live in the United States. We welcome students from all backgrounds, regions, and perspectives who are interested in civic learning, engaging in dialogue across differences, and strengthening democracy in their communities.
When can I apply?
Applications for the Fellowship open each spring. Selected Fellows and alternates are notified in July, and the Fellowship experience begins in August.
What are the application requirements?
The application is designed to help us get to know you—your interests, experiences, and perspectives. It includes an online form that includes basic questions about you and short-answer questions about issues you care about.
An educator/mentor recommendation is also required.
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a Zoom interview before the final cohort of Fellows is chosen.
What are the time commitments?
The Fellowship runs August through May. Fellows begin the program with a multi-day symposium in Washington, D.C., then participate in regular online meetings twice per month throughout the year.
Fellows should plan to dedicate 8–10 hours per month to Fellowship activities.
Do fellows have to travel?
Yes. Fellows participate in a multi-day symposium in Washington, D.C., at the start of the program year. Travel, lodging, and program costs for this experience are covered by iCivics.
Is the Carnegie Youth Fellowship paid?
Yes. iCivics believes youth contributions should be valued and compensated. Fellows receive a stipend in recognition of their expertise, time, and leadership.
What happens after the Fellowship ends?
Fellows become part of the Youth Fellowship Alumni Network, an ever-growing community of young civic leaders.
Alumni have the opportunity to serve as mentors to future Fellows, participate in national civic events, contribute to research and public conversations about civic education, and serve as civics ambassadors in their communities. The Fellowship is designed to be a launchpad for continued leadership and impact.
From the Newsroom
iCivics Youth Fellowship Marks its Seventh Year
A national community of young civic leaders continuing their journey beyond the Fellowship.
The Fellowship may last ten months — but the community doesn’t end there. Alumni stay connected with peers nationwide, mentor current Fellows, and keep contributing to civic learning alongside iCivics or in their own ways and on their own paths.
Since launching in 2019, the Youth Fellowship has grown and evolved. If you’ve been a Fellow at any point, we’d love to have you stay involved and connected!
Elevating youth voice in civic learning across communities, institutions, and the national conversation.
The Fellowship may last ten months — but the community doesn’t end there. Alumni stay connected with peers nationwide, mentor current Fellows, and keep contributing to civic learning alongside iCivics or in their own ways and on their own paths.
Since launching in 2019, the Youth Fellowship has grown and evolved. If you’ve been a Fellow at any point, we’d love to have you stay involved and connected!
