Youth Collaboratory Fellowship Application

We’re so glad you’re here. This form is for the April–September 2026 Youth Collaboratory Fellowship cohort in Washington State. You’ll kick things off with a virtual orientation in mid-March, then meet in person in Seattle on April 15-17 and September 4–6.

Priority deadline: February 15, 2026
Final deadline: February 27, 2026

Before you start, take a quick look at the application details on our website — especially the questions you’ll need to answer. (Heads up: this form won’t save your work, so it’s smart to draft your answers in a separate doc first. You can view all the questions on the website)

If you’re not sure about anything — eligibility, timing, what the program feels like — reach out to Program Manager Davis Endava ([email protected]). You don’t have to figure it out alone.

We’re excited to hear your story. You’ll get a decision by mid March, 2026.

When you’re ready, begin your application here:

YC - 2026 Application

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First Name*

Last Name*

Nickname or preferred name

If you go by something other than what you listed above, please let us know here.

Pronouns*

What pronouns do you use? (Examples: she/her, he/him, they/them — or “prefer not to say.”)

Email*

Nice to meet you!

Mobile Phone*

What’s the best mobile number to reach you via phone and/or text?

Do you live in Washington State?*

Yes

Zip Code*

Are you a Junior or Sophomore in high school?*

Yes

Guardian Contact*

Who should we keep in the loop about your application (parent/guardian/caregiver)?

First Last

Relationship*

How are they related to you (mom, brother, grandparent, caretaker, etc.)

Email*

What's their email?

Phone*

What's their phone number?

The next few questions help us understand who’s applying and make sure the Youth Collaboratory Fellowship is reaching a wide mix of students across Washington. It also helps us build a program where people with different backgrounds and experiences feel seen and included. Answer what you’re comfortable with — you can always choose “prefer not to say”. Thanks for sharing what you can.

Community Area*

Which description feels closest to where you live?

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Generational Age

Race*

How do you describe your racial or cultural identity? (You can click more than one, or say “prefer not to answer.”)

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian (incl. East, South, and SE Asia)

Black or African American

Hispanic or Latino

Middle Eastern or North African

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

White

Other

Prefer not to answer

Other*

Gender*

What gender identity feels true to you?

Female

Male

Nonbinary

Transgender

Other

Prefer not to answer

Other*

Your School

We ask for a few details about your school so we can understand where you’re coming from and confirm eligibility.

Name*

Tell us the name of your school

School Type*

Graduation Year

When will you graduate?

Supportive Adult (optional)

Sometimes it’s helpful for us to connect with an adult who knows you — someone who can cheer you on, help us better understand your strengths, or even support your Power Project down the line. This could be a teacher, coach, mentor, advisor, or another trusted adult (not a parent/guardian). You can skip this if you'd rather not include someone.

Supportive Adult (optional)

Supportive Adult's Name

First Last

Relationship

How do they know you?

Phone

Written Prompts

These questions help us get to know who you are, what matters to you, and how this program might support you. There are no “perfect” answers — we just want to hear your real voice. You can scroll back and forth between questions before you submit. Once you hit submit, your answers are final, so it can help to reread them once. Suggested length: around 150–250 words per question, but it’s okay if you’re a little under or over.

1. Identity*

Describe a part of your identity that really matters to you — and why. Identity can include things like age, gender, race, culture, where your family is from, language, religion, ability, economic background, or life experiences. You don’t have to share everything, just what feels important for us to know about you.

2. Community*

“Community” can mean your people, your neighborhood, your culture, your school, a group you’re part of — anyone or anywhere that shapes who you are. Tell us about one community that matters a lot to you. Why is it important in your life?

3. Values*

Citizen University works with seven core values: Responsibility, Equity, Spirit, Purpose, Ingenuity, Collaboration, and Trust. Pick one value that feels important in your own life. Why does it matter to you, and how do you try to live it out?

4. Curiosity*

What's an issue facing your community or state that you are curious to know more about?

Creative Prompts

The Youth Collaboratory Fellowship celebrates different ways of expressing ideas. For the next few questions, you can either write your answer or upload a creative response — a video, poem, drawing, song, animation, or anything else you make. It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be yours. We want to get to know you.

5. Civic Power*

What does “civic power” mean to you? You can talk about a time you felt powerful (or powerless), or a moment when someone else’s power really shaped your life or your community. You can either: write your answer, or link to a video, poem, song, drawing, or other creative response. The creative response doesn’t need to be fancy — we just want to hear your real ideas.

Time Commitment

The Youth Collaboratory Fellowship is a real commitment. If you’re selected, you’re agreeing to show up for all program meetings — both virtual and in person. This cohort runs for six months and includes online sessions, travel to in-person gatherings, and steady work on a Power Project in your community.

Virtual Meeting Availability*

Our required virtual meetings will be on Wednesdays from 5:00–6:30pm. There will be four before our first trip on March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15 and a few in between trips. All are mandatory for the program.

Yes, I can make this time for every virtual meeting.

No, this time does not work for my schedule.

I have a question.

What's your question?*

Take-Home Work*

Before each meeting, you’ll have a short prompt — usually a quick worksheet or a short written update. You’ll need access to a computer or the internet to complete these. Are you able to do this and commit to finishing the homework each time?

Yes, I can do that.

No, this won't work for me.

I have a question.

What's your question?*

Travel*

The Youth Collaboratory Fellowship includes two required in-person gatherings in Seattle, WA. Please confirm that you are available to travel on the following dates in 2026: April 15-17; September 4–6

Yes, I can do that.

No, those dates won't work for me.

I have a question.

What's your question?*

How busy are you?*

The Youth Collaboratory Fellowship asks you to show up consistently, try new things, and stay engaged with your Power Project. We’re not looking for “perfectly free people” — just folks who know their limits and can make space for the program. How would you describe your weekly schedule right now?

I have the time and energy to take on something new.

I’m fairly busy, but I can make room for the Youth Collaboratory Fellowship.

My schedule is pretty packed — I’d have to work hard to fit this in, but I’m willing to reprioritize to make it work.

My schedule is so full that committing to YC would be stressful for me.

Activities*

What do you spend your time on during a typical week? This could be school clubs, sports, a job, family responsibilities, hobbies, community work, or anything else you put energy into. What are the things you care about or keep coming back to?

Almost Done!

Just a few more questions.

How did you hear about Citizen University?*

Tell us where you heard about us!*

Which alum?*

Which organization?*

Do you want to subscribe to the Citizen University Newsletter?*

We send out an email once per month.

Yes please

I already subscribe

No thanks

Anything else you want us to know?

Youth Collaboratory Fellowship Application

YC - 2026 Application

Nice to meet you!

Your School

Supportive Adult (optional)

Supportive Adult (optional)

Written Prompts

Creative Prompts

Time Commitment

Almost Done!

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