YC - Intake 2026 ⋆ Citizen University

Phone

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First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Phonetic spelling

We want to pronounce your name correctly! Please write it phonetically. For example: hay-SOOS dell-RIO; or KIR-sten SHOE-berg.

Email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Want to connect on social media?(Required)

Yes!

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We’d love to share that you are part of CU. If you’d like to be tagged in posts, please let us know which social media handles you use.

Linkedin profile link

https://linkedin.com/in/YOURNAME

Instagram handle

@YOURHANDLE

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Address(Required)

We have some goodies to send you in the mail!

Address Line 2

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City(Required)

State(Required)

ZIP Code(Required)

Phone(Required)

Mobile phone numbers preferred so we can text you!

Diving Deeper…

Help us to know more about you, and what draws you into civic life. These questions will ask you to share some more dynamic information about yourself, as well as reflect on your hopes and expectations for participating in the Youth Collab.

Share a quick bio(Required)

Introduce yourself in about 3–6 sentences. You can include things like what you care about, what you’re involved in, and anything else that feels “you.” We will share these bios with your cohort and with the wider CU community.

Share a Photo(Required)

You know that photo of yourself you love to look at, where you look just exactly like YOU? Please share that photo with us. We will share these photos with your cohort and with the wider CU community.

Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 31 MB.

Community Connections(Required)

Tell us the names of a few community organizations, institutions, or networks you feel connected to (eg. your church, sports team, YMCA, non-profit).

Exploring Your Needs and Preferences

What support do you need to stay on top of tasks and assignments?(Required)

What do you do when you’re feeling uncomfortable or challenged? What support do you need in those moments in order to stay engaged?(Required)

You can be honest here — this helps us support you, not judge you.

What does collaboration look & feel like to you?(Required)

What does belonging look & feel like to you?(Required)

How do you prefer to receive task reminders?(Required)

Hotel Roommates

Give us a little info that will help us assign roommates on our trips

Sleep habits(Required)

Social Energy(Required)

Gender(Required)

As a default, we pair students who share the same assigned gender.

This works for me

I’d like to talk more about this

Expand here(Required)

Hopes & Expectations

The next few questions will help you orient to the goals of the Youth Collaboratory Fellowship and let us know where you are now. These questions will be present in this intake form and at an end of the year survey, so they may be used for Citizen University’s evaluation of how well we’ve supported your growth.

How do you learn best?(Required)

Pick up to two that feel most true for you.

Seeing things, like charts, diagrams, or videos

Hearing information, like in lectures or discussions

Reading and writing things down

Doing things with my hands or body (hands-on activities, movement)

Talking things out (speaking or writing)

Working with other people and discussing ideas together

Thinking it through quietly by myself

Civic Power Understanding(Required)

For each statement, choose how true it feels to you right now.

	Not at all true	A little true	Somewhat true	Mostly true	Very true
I understand what “civic power” means.
I can explain how power works in my school or community.
I can identify who has influence in decisions that affect my community.
I pay attention to how decisions get made where I live.
I can name at least one story, belief, or message that shapes who has power where I live.
I know where power is concentrated in my community.

Civic Agency(Required)

Now think about how powerful you feel in your own life and community.

	Not at all true	A little true	Somewhat true	Mostly true	Very true
I feel confident in my ability to make change in my community.
I feel confident in my ability to make change in the United States.
When I notice a problem, I can usually think of at least one way to respond.
When I want to make change, I can usually find someone who will support me.
I can create new power without needing to take power away from anyone else.
I invite friends or community members to help me when I want to create change.

Sense of Community & Belonging(Required)

Think about the people and communities you’re a part of.

	Not at all true	A little true	Somewhat true	Mostly true	Very true
I feel a strong sense of belonging in at least one community in my life.
I have a strong sense of my own values.
I see myself as someone who has a role to play in civic life (now or in the future).
People in my life take me seriously when I share ideas about making things better.
Young people like me are treated as equal partners in solving community problems.
I have worked with adults as equals to make meaningful change in my school or community.
I feel comfortable sharing my ideas with adults, even when we’re working on serious problems.
I believe young people have real power to shape the future of our communities.

When I notice a problem in my community, I usually…(Required)

Have a lot of ideas about how to solve it

Can usually come up with at least one solution

Sometimes try to solve it

Usually give up or don’t try hard to find a way around the problem

Always give up

I am interested in this program because…(Required)

Pick up to three reasons that feel most true for you.

I want to make my community better.

I want to learn how to work with others — including adults — to create change.

I want to understand how power really works in everyday life.

I want to get better at talking about big issues with people who see things differently.

I want to grow as a leader.

I want support for ideas or projects I care about.

I want to meet people who care about similar things.

I want to build skills that will help me take action now and in the future.

What do you hope to learn or understand through the Youth Collab?(Required)

How do you expect to change or grow during your time in Youth Collab?(Required)

Code of Conduct Agreements

Below is the Code of Conduct and required agreements for the group.

Code of conduct(Required)

Code of Conduct
Youth Collaboratory is a six month learning experience for young people who are ready to explore how civic power works and how it can be used with care, courage, and responsibility. Students will learn together, build relationships, and develop a power project rooted in their local community.
Because this is a local, place-based cohort, students are not only participating in a program—they are showing up in schools, neighborhoods, partner organizations, and shared civic spaces they will continue to be part of after Youth Collaboratory ends. How students show up, treat one another, and engage disagreement matters beyond any single meeting or trip. These expectations are here to support that responsibility.
Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled virtual sessions and in-person gatherings and to participate fully and thoughtfully. Please review the schedule carefully and talk together about whether your student has the capacity to make this commitment, including time away from school.
Youth Collaboratory is a selective program with limited space. We ask families to be honest about availability so this opportunity can go to students who are able to engage deeply with the learning and the group.
If a conflict or emergency arises, absences may be excused on a case-by-case basis. Students are expected to communicate proactively. Consistent absence or lack of communication will prompt a conversation with staff and, if needed, a participation plan. Dismissal is a last step if expectations cannot be met.

Virtual Cohort Meetings
Cohort meetings take place on Zoom and include facilitated learning, reflection, journaling, full-group discussion, and small-group work. Sessions are recorded.
Students may miss up to two virtual meetings. In the case of an absence, students must notify Davis in advance, watch the recording, and complete any assigned reflections or tasks. Students who miss more than two meetings will work with Davis to create a clear plan for continued participation.

🖥️ Session 1: Orientation
Wednesday, March 25⋅17:00 – 18:30 – Join Zoom Meeting
🖥️ Session 2: What Is Citizenship?
Wednesday, April 1⋅17:00 – 18:30 – Join Zoom Meeting
🖥️ Session 3: Giving Your Pain Attention
Wednesday, April 8⋅17:00 – 18:30 – Join Zoom Meeting
🏙️ In-Person Gathering: First Trip
April 15 – 17, 2026

🖥️ Session 4: Mentor Connect
Wednesday, April 29⋅17:00 – 18:30 – Join Zoom Meeting
🛠️ Ongoing: Power Project Development
Ongoing
🛠️ Ongoing: Team + Mentor Collaboration
Ongoing
🏙️In-Person Gathering: Second Trip
September 4 – 6, 2026

In-person Trips
The program includes two immersive, in-person gatherings designed for embodied learning, relationship building, and project momentum. These experiences include workshops, discussions, and activities led by Citizen University staff, mentors, and guest contributors.
Youth Collaboratory is closely connected to the National Civic Collaboratory. During in-person gatherings, students will participate in select National Civic Collaboratory meetings as full members, engaging alongside adult civic leaders from across the country.

General Flow of In-Person Trips
Arrival Day: Students are welcomed, settled into lodging, and oriented through light programming and shared meals.
Full Program Day(s): Students engage in workshops, reflection, power learning, project work, and relationship building with their cohort and mentors.
National Civic Collaboratory Day: Students participate in a National Civic Collaboratory gathering, either in person or virtually.
Departure Day: Students check out and travel home. Depending on flight timing, some students may travel independently with staff monitoring arrivals and remaining on call for support.
We understand that travel may be new for some students. Our team uses established protocols to support safety and reduce stress. Families are welcome to reach out with questions at any time.
School Absence
Citizen University can provide documentation to support excused school absences during program travel and is happy to communicate directly with schools if helpful, but will only do so if asked.

Travel
For the 2026 Youth Collaboratory, families are responsible for arranging their student’s travel to and from each in-person gathering. Citizen University will share the hotel location and logistics well in advance so families can plan accordingly.
Citizen University will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, including mileage or airfare/train tickets, in alignment with program guidelines. Reimbursement instructions and required documentation will be shared if your student checks that they need travel support prior to the trip.
Students are expected to arrive directly at the designated hotel within the arrival window listed below and to depart from the hotel within the departure window at the end of the gathering.
Arrival & Departure Windows
To support group coordination, safety, and staff capacity, all student travel must fall within the following windows:
Arrival: 3:00–5:00 PM
Departure: 4:00–8:00 PM
Students arriving or departing outside these windows must receive advance approval from Citizen University. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Citizen University staff will be present and available at the hotel during the designated arrival window. Once students arrive and check in, they are considered under program supervision until departure.
Travel Responsibility & Communication
Families are responsible for ensuring students arrive safely and on time. Students must communicate clearly with Citizen University staff upon arrival and prior to departure. Any changes, delays, or issues during travel should be communicated immediately.
We recognize that travel can feel new or complex. If you would like to talk through logistics or need support planning travel, please reach out—we’re happy to help think it through.

Changes and Cancellations
We understand that plans sometimes change. Because families are responsible for arranging travel for in-person gatherings, we ask that any changes or cancellations be communicated as early as possible so we can plan staffing and program logistics accordingly.
If your student needs to change their travel plans, please notify Davis Endava as soon as you are aware of the change. Families are responsible for managing and covering any fees associated with modifying or canceling their own transportation.
If travel expenses were expected to be reimbursed by Citizen University, reimbursement will be based on the updated travel details and must align with program reimbursement guidelines. Non-refundable expenses resulting from late changes or cancellations may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Our goal is to remain flexible while also ensuring the program stays sustainable and accessible. Clear and timely communication helps us do that well.

Participation Expectations

Citizen University strives to create an environment of mutual respect, open-hearted participation, and professional conduct. Students participating in Citizen University events are expected to speak, act, behave, and dress accordingly.

Costs
The Youth Collaboratory is offered at no cost to students through the generous support of Citizen University funders. Program-related costs, including accommodation, meals during in-person gatherings, and all programming, are fully covered.

Families are responsible for arranging student travel to and from in-person gatherings. Citizen University will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, such as mileage or airfare, in accordance with program reimbursement guidelines. Details about reimbursement and required documentation will be shared in advance.

Students may wish to bring a small amount of personal spending money for items such as snacks or souvenirs.

Attendance
Students must attend all required Collaboratory activities both in-person intensives and virtual workshops. Students must communicate conflicts in advance. Please review our schedule and attendance policy carefully before deciding to commit to this experience.

Behavior
Students are expected to conduct themselves with empathy and respect for all. Students must be considerate of the safety, comfort, and rights of other students, staff, advisors, and National Collaboratory members. Students are expected to use kind and appropriate language. Students enter into the Youth Collaboratory experience in order to grow together and lift each other up, not to embarrass or harass other students. Bullying or discriminatory activities of any kind will not be tolerated. All students are equally responsible for ensuring the safety and good order of the group, and to preserve the reputation of Citizen University while in public spaces, event venues, etc.

Please dress appropriately and professionally. More dress code information will be provided in preparation for in-person events.

Students are responsible for the condition of their assigned hotel room. Room service, in-room movies, outside phone calls, and other items may not be charged to a student’s room. All students assigned to a room will be responsible for any unresolved charges or issues with room condition.

Citizen University is not responsible for valuable items brought by students to any events.

Students may not possess or use alcohol or illegal drugs at any time. Citizen University has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol. All students found in a room with alcohol and/or illegal drugs will be sent home immediately. The use of any tobacco products or cannabis is also prohibited (cigarettes, vapes, etc…). For the safety of the students, Citizen University reserves the right to enter and search any rooms and bags should we suspect a student is in danger, in possession of drugs or alcohol, or is in violation of any of these agreements.

Students are expected to respect one another’s bodies. This includes, but is not limited to, abstaining from sexual behaviors during any CU program time (this includes the entirety of trips). In accordance with our role as chaperones, CU advisors and/or staff will contact local law enforcement for any violations of this nature, if required.

Assignments
Students will be assigned various tasks, projects, readings, and reflections throughout the course of their participation in the Youth Collaboratory, which they are expected to complete. By signing this document students agree to uphold all deadlines set out by the program and to communicate with CU staff ahead of time to request extensions. If this fails to happen students may be asked to create a dedicated participation plan.

Communication
Students must be able to consistently communicate with Citizen University advisors and staff through email and phone. If a student repeatedly fails to complete assignments or respond to communication, that student will be in consideration for dismissal from the program.

Supervision
Students will meet with one another, with Citizen University staff, and with mentors from the National Collaboratory both in-person and through Zoom. They will also communicate via email, phone, text, and community apps. Citizen University staff will always be present on group calls as well as in meetings with mentors or guests. Students are expected to cooperate with all instructions from Citizen University staff during virtual and in-person meetings. Students may occasionally be offered the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Citizen University staff to receive deeper feedback on their work. Students will be provided ways to communicate one-on-one with Citizen University staff should they need help or have questions during any sessions.

While on in-person trips, students must communicate their whereabouts to advisors. At no point may a student leave the hotel or meeting location without informing the advisor. Students must keep advisors informed of their activities and location throughout the Collaboratory.

Students must remain in their own room after the 10:00 p.m. curfew. At curfew, CU counselors will check that all students are in their assigned rooms. Curfew will always last from 10:00 p.m. until activities begin in the morning. In the case that students are found in a room not assigned to them after curfew, they, as well as the students assigned to that room will face dismissal. Curfew hours are also designated quiet hours for both Citizen University and the hotel. During quiet hours, any music or media must be played through headphones and students are expected to respond immediately to any noise complaints from hotel guests or staff.

I agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.

Media release(Required)

I give Citizen University permission to take photographs or video of me and to record and share quotes from me for promotional purposes. I understand that my name may be included alongside these materials. These assets may be used to highlight participants’ work and to share information about Citizen University programs. Because this is a fully funded program, we do need a “yes” to this media release in order to confirm participation. If you select “no,” we’ll follow up directly to talk through any questions or concerns.

Yes, I consent

No, I don’t consent

Group Agreements

Now that we’ve agreed to the Code of Conduct, and you know a bit more about what we will be focusing on together, think about why you are participating in this experience—and what will make it work well for you.

What will make this a healthy environment for your learning and growth? What agreements can we establish from the beginning, to ensure this becomes a community in which we each grow, and grow together?

For the last questions consider the following prompts:

To make this a brave and respectful space for learning, communicating, and growing…

I need…(Required)

I have the right to…(Required)

To support others' needs and rights, I commit to…(Required)

Welcome to the Youth Collaboratory Fellowship 2026 Cohort!

YC – 2026 Intake

Diving Deeper…

Exploring Your Needs and Preferences

Travel

Hotel Roommates

Hopes & Expectations

Code of Conduct Agreements

Group Agreements

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