Emerging civic leaders

District Youth Fellows ignite positive change in their neighborhoods.

District Youth Leadership Academies

Neighborhood-based civic engagement

CivicsRUs’s neighborhood-based after-school program trains youth to become active citizens and assume leadership roles in their communities. District Youth Fellows learn essential leadership and public speaking skills, conduct interviews with community leaders, organize group projects, gain community service opportunities, attend workshops, and better understand city functions. Currently serving youth who live, attend school, or have a personal connection in Oakland’s Districts 1 thru 7. Youth Leadership Academies will meet virtually after school. We welcome applications from 5th – 12th grade youth and young people ages 18 – 25.

Application

Applications are now closed. Fill out our interest form to be notified when we’re recruiting for future cohorts.
Interest Form

Questions & Contact

Vic Hogg
info@civicsrus.org

Other Programs

See Civics Other Programs

What You’ll Experience

Youth Leadership Academies will meet virtually once a week after school. Attendance in all seminars is a requirement of this program.

District Youth Fellows will experience hands-on leadership training, conduct informational interviews with community and civic leaders, and will design and deliver a community action project. Trainings include:

• Receive training on key leadership concepts such as communication, problem-solving, project management, and more.

• Develop a deeper understanding of community issues and civic engagement, and gain community service experience.

• Build a professional network of local leaders and other youth from Oakland.

Outcomes

• Enhanced leadership skills.
Increased confidence to initiate positive change.
• Greater understanding of your community and city.
• Strengthened youth participation in city/district decision-making.

Who Should Apply

For this cycle, we welcome applications from any 5th – 12th grade youth and young adults ages 18 – 25, particularly those who live, attend school, or have a personal connection to Oakland’s District 1 thru District 7 (the city’s neighborhoods) who are:
• Interested in making a positive change in their school, community, or city.
• Interested in learning new skills.
• Open to new experiences and leaving their comfort zone.
• Willing and able to work independently and in teams.
• Willing to commit to all scheduled after-school online learning sessions.
• Any amount of leadership experience is welcome. No minimum GPA required.

Cost

There is no cost to participants. Each Youth Fellow receives a $500 stipend following program completion.

Program Partners

• Youth Commission, Oakland Parks and Recreation, and Public Works Departments
• Mayor
• District 1 Councilmember
• District 2 Councilmember
• District 3 Councilmember
• District 4 Councilmember
• District 5 Councilmember
• District 6 Councilmember
• District 7 Councilmember