Get Paid to Work in Civic Life.
Our free 8-session training program gives you real skills, a certificate, verified volunteer hours, and connections to opportunities across the civic and political sector, no experience needed.
Program Details
- Start Date
- July 6, 2026
- Application Deadline
- June 26, 2026
- Schedule
- Monday–Friday, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
- Duration
- 8 sessions (July 6–15)
- Location
- 217 Brighton Beach Ave, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11235
- Cost
- FREE
- Spots
- Limited to 30 participants
What You'll Learn
- Communication, Body Language & Elevator Pitch
- Introduction to Government & Why Elections Matter
- The Legislative Process & How Officials Prioritize Issues
- Research, Surveys, A/B Testing & Data Analysis
- Marketing & Audience Segmentation
- Community Outreach & Field Operations
- Leadership & Professional Success
- Final Exam
Past program participants have completed volunteer placements in the offices of local elected officials, gaining direct experience in how government and civic organizations operate.
What You Earn
Certificate of Completion
An official certificate documenting your civic training and the skills you built throughout the program.
Verified Volunteer Hours
All participation hours are formally documented and verified, useful for school requirements, college applications, or your resume.
Connections & Career Support
After graduation, we share opportunities across the civic and political sector with our graduates and help connect them with organizations that are looking for skilled, trained people.
Who Should Apply
- You're a high school or college student in the NYC area
- You want real hands-on experience in politics, community organizing, or public service
- You want a certificate and verified hours you can put on a college application or resume
- You're available Monday through Friday mornings, July 6–15
- No prior experience required, we start from the beginning
Evaluation
Passing threshold: 75%
Hear From Our Graduates
“This program gave me skills I actually use. I learned how to talk to people, understand government, and now I have a real job in civic work.”
“I came in not knowing what canvassing even was. I left with a certificate, volunteer hours, and a paying role on a real campaign.”
Student FAQs
Everything you need to know before applying to the youth training program.
Who is eligible to apply?+
Any high school or college student in the NYC area is welcome to apply. No prior experience in politics, government, or community work is required, just a willingness to show up, learn, and engage. Applicants under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign a participation consent form.
When does the program run, and what is the time commitment?+
The program runs Monday through Friday, July 6–15, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at 217 Brighton Beach Ave, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11235. That is 8 sessions over two weeks, about 1.5 hours per session, plus short take-home assignments between classes. Consistent attendance is required to earn the certificate.
Does the program cost anything?+
No. The training is completely free for accepted students. There are no tuition, materials, or registration fees of any kind.
Do students get paid for the training itself?+
The 8-session training program is unpaid, it is an educational program that awards a certificate and verified volunteer hours. However, top performers are invited to join paid civic engagement and canvassing roles after graduation. This is how nearly all of our team members are first hired.
What kind of paid opportunities come after graduation?+
Graduates may be offered paid roles in voter outreach, canvassing, community organizing, and field operations on local campaigns and civic projects. Pay rates and hours vary by role and project, and are discussed directly with each student before they are hired.
How do I apply, and what is the deadline?+
Submit the online application by June 26, 2026. Spots are limited to 30 participants and reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier applications have a better chance. Use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to get started.
Accelerated Canvassing Program
For students ready to move directly into paid outreach work, our Accelerated Canvassing Program offers hands-on field training with immediate paid opportunities for those who qualify.
Learn More / InquireFor Schools and Colleges
We partner with guidance counselors, career centers, and student organizations to place students in this program. If you work at a school or college and want to collaborate, reach out.
Contact Us