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SUMMER 2024

Civic Engagement Fellowship

Educate. Inspire. Mobilize!

The Civic Engagement Fellowship is our 10-week flagship youth program. ATJ recognizes the potential in our young leaders. This fellowship was created to foster a pipeline of young individuals who EDUCATE, INSPIRE, and MOBILIZE within their AAPI Texan communities. After this program, fellows will have tangible skills, lifelong connections, and a capstone project.

Timeline

  • Applications Open: January 12, 2024

  • Application Close: February 9, 2024

  • Interviews Take Place: March 2024

  • Decisions Made: April 2024

  • First Day of Fellowship [Program Start]: June 1, 2024

  • Last Day of Fellowship [Graduation]: August 3, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions ✦

GENERAL FELLOWSHIP

  • Civic engagement refers to active participation in community and societal issues, including voting, volunteering, advocacy, and other activities aimed at contributing to improving society and promoting the common good. To learn more about civic engagement and civic health, please visit the Annette Strauss Institute.

  • A fellowship is an educational experience that focuses on developing and supporting an individual's academic and/or professional development. Its purpose is to provide resources and mentorship for personal and professional growth. Unlike internships, fellowships often focus on self-driven projects and research rather than on gaining work experience.

  • This fellowship is specifically designed to give you the tools and training necessary to serve the AAPI Texan community in a bigger capacity than you ever thought possible!

    Some of the benefits of our fellowship:

    • Practical Experience in Advocacy/Organizing: The unique responsibilities and project work associated with a fellowship program will help you develop the skills and experience required to work in the community.

    • Professional Development: You will learn public speaking, community organization, grant writing, media relations and leadership skills.

    • Personal Confidence: Winning a fellowship like ATJ’s, will ultimately boost your confidence, and motivate you to take up leadership positions at top universities or corporations.

    • Financial Compensation: Upon completion of the fellowship, all Fellows will receive a stipend of $1,000.

    • Alumni Program: After completing the program, you will join our ATJ Advocates program. To learn more about this program, please visit the ATJ Advocates page.

  • The 2024 Civic Engagement Fellowship begins on Saturday, June 1, 2024, and ends on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

    Weekly sessions are held on Saturdays at 10 AM CDT to 12 PM CDT.

  • Fellows are permitted two (2) pre-approved absences; however, the Fellowship Graduation on Saturday, August 3, 2024 is MANDATORY for all fellows.

  • Our capstone project allows fellows to apply and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they gained throughout the fellowship to a project that will educate, inspire, and/or mobilize their community.

    Past capstone projects have includes town halls, workshops, resource guides, zines, documentaries, and more!

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • This fellowship is geared towards people between the ages of 16 and 25. You must be 16 by August 31, 2024 to apply for the 2024 Cohort.

  • We believe in and enforce equitable practices. You do not need to be enrolled in an educational institution.

  • The application consists of three portions: about you, policy/advocacy interest, and short answers. For the short answers, you may submit a 300-word written response or record a 2-minute video. The application should take about 1 hour to complete.

    • Must reside in Texas

    • Must be able to work remotely

    • Must have access to a laptop, computer, and/or iPad

    • Organizing or advocacy experience is not necessary.

    • Resumes, cover letters, and recommendation letters are not required for this fellowship.

  • There is no cookie-cutter candidate for this program. Our past cohorts have had fellows with ranging personalities, perspectives, and backgrounds! We embrace diversity and authenticity in our fellows. We look for folks who have the following characteristics:

    • A sense of curiosity and willingness to learn

    • Critical and innovative thinking

    • Passion and commitment to serve the AAPI community

EVERYTHING ELSE

  • There are many ways to stay engaged with ATJ:

    • Join our mailing list and stay up to date with all of ATJ’s programs and work.

    • Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).

    • Get involved with our work by joining our group of volunteers.

  • Yes, we highly recommend past applicants to reapply to the program!