Apply to the Youth Collaboratory Fellowship
If you’re ready to start building power in your community — with real support, real coaching, and a crew beside you — you’re in the right place. Join a six-month fellowship for emerging civic catalysts. Our 2026 cohort will be open to high-school sophomores and juniors in Washington state.
Applications for our April–September 2026 cohort open January 16, 2026.
- Priority deadline: February 15
- Final deadline: February 27
Who should apply?
The Youth Collaboratory Fellowship is for students who are high school sophomores and juniors (as of Spring 2026) living in Washington State.
This program is right for you if you’re thinking …
- I want to support my community, but I don’t know where to start.
- I care about real issues, but don’t always feel powerful.
- I want to turn my ideas into something real.
- I’m ready to learn alongside people my age who will challenge my thinking.
Our fellows come from all kinds of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from young people who haven’t always had access to civic opportunities.
If you’re unsure whether you’re “ready” or if this program is the “right fit” for you, email [email protected]. We can talk it through.
What’s the commitment?
Being part of YC means showing up — for yourself, your cohort, and your project. It’s meaningful, it’s big, and it’s worth it.
Here’s what you’ll do over six months:
- Join four virtual sessions in March-April, and
- Attend two in-person gatherings in Seattle (April 15-18, and September 4-6.)
“The two in-person gatherings feel totally different in the best way. The first one helped me actually dream up and shape my project, and the second one was all about reflecting on what I built and who I became along the way.” – Catrina, YC alum
- Use everything you’re learning to design and launch a Power Project
- Connect with peers and adult catalysts who are invested in your growth
- Lean into a supportive alumni network that keeps going after the program ends
You’ll get out of this experience what you bring into it — and we’ll support you every step of the way.
2026 cohort schedule
- Applications open: January 16
- Priority deadline: February 15
- Final deadline: February 27
March 2-10: Accepted students complete intake forms, finalize paperwork, and receive welcome packages
Mid-March: Virtual Orientation
March-April: Three virtual learning sessions focused on what power is, how it moves, and how to map power in your community
April 22-24: In-person kickoff gathering in Seattle
- Alumni advisors join to support the overnight experience and help hold group culture
April-August: Monthly project development and coaching sessions
- One additional mid-summer virtual check-in
September 4-6: In-person closing gathering in Seattle
- A grounding, celebratory end to the fellowship and a moment to reflect on next step
Before you apply
In the application, we’ll ask you to answer a mix of written and creative questions.
It helps to prepare in a separate document so you can paste your answers into the form.
Written questions (250 words for each question recommended)
- Describe a part of your identity that’s meaningful to you — and why.
- At Citizen University, we know “community” can mean a lot of different things — your people, your neighborhood, your culture, your school, or any group that shapes who you are. Tell us about a community that matters to you. Why is it important in your life?
- Choose one CU value — Responsibility, Equity, Spirit, Purpose, Ingenuity, Collaboration, or Trust — and tell us why it resonates with you.
- What’s an issue facing your community or state that you are curious to know more about?
Creative response (choose ONE format)
You may write your answer or upload a video, poem, drawing, song, audio clip, animation, etc.
Respond to: What does “civic power” mean to you? How have you seen it in your own life, your family, or your community?
What we look for
We’re not grading you on fancy language or past achievements.
We look for:
- Curiosity
- Heart
- Care for your community
- Openness to new ideas
- Willingness to collaborate
- Commitment to showing up
- A spark of “I want to try”
We want students who are ready to grow — not students who have it all figured out.
What happens after you apply
After the final deadline (Feb 27):
- We carefully review every application
- You’ll hear back by March 10
- If accepted, you’ll receive:
- A personalized welcome package
- Orientation details
- Travel guidance
- Full program schedule
- Program Intake form
Our team will make sure you and your family feel prepared and supported.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need leadership experience to apply?
No. Many of our strongest fellows were brand-new to civic work.
What should I do if I’m worried I won’t get accepted? ?
Apply! We are excited to read applications from any sophomores or juniors in Washington state. Get in touch with Davis if you want support with your application process. .
How much does it cost?
The fellowship is provided at no cost to students or families. Citizen University covers all lodging, food, and program materials (and this program is supported by generous funders and donors!)
What about school?
We regularly work with schools to help students participate. Absences can often be excused and tests rescheduled. We can talk to your school if needed, and provide information that you can share with teachers or administrators.
Is this a program connected to a political party, or focused on advancing certain ideological issues?
No, Citizen University is a non-partisan organization. Our focus is on supporting people in understanding and committing to habits and skills of powerful, responsible citizenship and circulating that ethos in their communities.
Who can I talk to with questions?
Email Program Manager [email protected] — we’re here to help.
Ready to apply?
If something in you is saying yes, start your application.