CIVIC INNOVATORS FELLOWSHIP 2026-2027

Civic Fellowship Program offers an opportunity for individuals interested in civic education, public policy, leadership and youth engagement to gain professional experience while working with the Close Up Foundation in Washington, D.C.

Civic Fellows become part of Close Up’s team of civic educators and work directly with young people from across the United States. The program combines civic education, professional development, networking and hands-on leadership experience.

About the Civic Fellowship Program

The Civic Fellowship is designed for people who want to build their careers while helping young people become more informed and engaged citizens.

As a Civic Fellow, participants work in a fast-paced environment alongside civic educators and help deliver programs for students from diverse backgrounds.

The fellowship provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in civic education while building relationships with professionals working in politics, policy and the nonprofit sector.

What Civic Fellows Do

Civic Fellows take on a variety of responsibilities throughout the program.

According to Close Up, Fellows will:

Lead civic education programs in Washington, D.C. for students from across the country.
Help students discuss and debate issues that matter to them.
Meet and develop relationships with elected officials.
Connect with nonprofit leaders and policy experts.
Lead students through historical and educational experiences in cities including New York City, Philadelphia and Williamsburg.
Participate in professional development sessions with experienced educators.
Work with Curriculum leaders to produce educational content for students participating in Close Up programs.

This combination of classroom-style civic education, field experiences and professional development allows Fellows to gain practical experience while working directly with young people.

Salary and Benefits

One of the key features of the Civic Fellowship is that Civic Fellows receive a salary and benefits.

Close Up specifically highlights medical and dental insurance among the benefits provided to Fellows.

The program also provides access to a professional network that can continue beyond the fellowship.

Benefits and professional opportunities highlighted by Close Up include:

Salary
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Professional development
Networking opportunities
Alumni network
Connections with schools
Exposure to political and policy leaders
Experience in civic education

Professional Development Opportunities

The Civic Fellowship is designed not only as a work experience but also as a professional development opportunity.

Fellows participate in development sessions with skilled educators and work collaboratively with Close Up’s Curriculum team.

Through these experiences, participants can develop skills related to:

Civic education
Public speaking
Student engagement
Leadership
Facilitation
Curriculum development
Policy discussions
Communication
Teamwork
Professional networking

These skills can be valuable for individuals interested in education, government, public policy, nonprofit organizations and civic engagement.

Working With Students

A major part of the Civic Fellow experience involves working directly with students.

Fellows lead civic education programs for young people from different parts of the United States. They help students explore issues, participate in discussions and develop their understanding of civic life.

The role therefore provides hands-on experience working with diverse groups of young people in an educational environment.

Travel and Educational Experiences

The Civic Fellowship also includes opportunities to lead students through explorations of historic cities along the East Coast.

Close Up specifically identifies:

New York City
Philadelphia
Williamsburg

These experiences form part of the educational programming Fellows help deliver.

Networking Opportunities

Civic Fellows can build relationships with people working across politics, public policy, education and the nonprofit sector.

The program provides opportunities to interact with:

Elected officials
Nonprofit leaders
Policy experts
Educators
Schools
Civic professionals

Close Up also highlights an extensive alumni network that connects Fellows with professionals and organizations beyond the fellowship itself.

Who Should Consider the Fellowship?

The Civic Fellowship may be particularly suitable for individuals interested in careers involving:

Civic education
Government
Public policy
Political science
Education
Nonprofit organizations
Youth development
Community engagement
Leadership
Public affairs

The information provided by Close Up does not specify detailed academic eligibility requirements on the fellowship page supplied, so applicants should use the official program information and application process to confirm current eligibility before applying.

Can College Students Apply?

Close Up lists a frequently asked question about whether someone can take the Civic Fellowship while still being a college student. However, the supplied page does not provide the answer.

Applicants who are currently enrolled in college should therefore confirm their eligibility directly with Close Up before applying.

How to Learn More and Apply

Close Up invites interested candidates to learn more about the Civic Fellowship through its official interest form.

Official Civic Fellowship information and interest form:
Close Up Civic Fellowship Program

Civic Fellow Interest Form

Applicants should review the latest information carefully because program details, requirements and application procedures may change.

Why This Fellowship Is Worth Considering

The Civic Fellowship provides a combination of paid professional experience, civic education, leadership development and networking.

For someone seeking to build a career in civic engagement, education, government, public policy or the nonprofit sector, the program can provide practical experience working with students while developing relationships with established professionals.

The opportunity to work in Washington, D.C., interact with elected officials and policy experts, and participate in educational programs across major East Coast cities makes the fellowship particularly relevant for aspiring civic and public-service professionals.

Final Thoughts

The Civic Innovators Fellowship 2026-2027, presented through Close Up’s Civic Fellowship Program, offers participants the chance to combine meaningful youth engagement with professional development.

Civic Fellows receive a salary and benefits while leading civic education programs, working with students, developing educational content, participating in professional development and building relationships across the political, policy and nonprofit sectors.

Anyone interested in the program should review the official Close Up fellowship page for the latest eligibility information, program details and application instructions before submitting an expression of interest.

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