APPLICATION

What is the application process for the ACLU National Advocacy Institute?

  • Prospective participants for the ACLU Advocacy Institute undergo a selective application process. The application is now open and can be found here. Each applicant is asked to provide contact and demographic information, and submit a letter of recommendation. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and priority is given to those who apply during the Early Decision and Regular Decision rounds.
    • Early Decision: March 3rd 
    • Regular Decision: April 14th 

Is the application the same? Will there be a letter of recommendation?

  • The application changes each year to reflect the current state of the country and our updated program. Please fill out the application for reviewing process. Letter of recommendations are REQUIRED!

Who can write my letter of recommendation?

  • Anyone who knows of your work experience can speak to your social justice work, and, as stated above, this year we’re accepting letters of recommendation from students who have attended a past Institute.

Who Can Apply?

  • The High School Program is open to students who have completed at least one year of high school (rising Sophomores to Seniors graduating in 2024).
  • The College and Community Program is designed for college-aged participants (18-24). Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of the program and completed one year of college or have graduated high school at least one year prior (2023 and earlier).

What is the admissions deadline?

  • The admissions process for the program is built around two application deadlines: Early Decision and Regular Decision

What is the tuition cost and scholarships available?

  • The Tuition price for the National ACLU Advocacy Institute is $2700. This includes a full week of live programming, an ACLU swag bag, and access to additional year-round programs and updates for our ACLU alumni network.
  • The ACLU is committed to providing full and partial scholarship (half price) opportunities for those who qualify based on family income. Applicants must apply for financial aid within the program application (found here). Applicants will receive their program admission decision and financial aid decision at the same time.

When are payments due?

  • Payments are due 2 weeks after your acceptance into the program. An email will be sent out to students with more information regarding payments and deadlines.

Can I set up a payment plan?

  • No. Upon acceptance please pay tuition before the deadline given to students via email. Please contact institute@aclu.org for questions.

Are payments refundable?

  • Payments are fully refundable through Friday, July 5th, 2024.

How many students will be accepted in 2024?

  • The ACLU plans to accept 450 highly qualified participants to take part in the 2024 National Advocacy Institute. If it is possible to scale the program larger than that, we’ll do so as long as we can maintain quality and ensure small group discussion opportunities. .

How would you describe a highly qualified participant?

  • The ACLU National Advocacy Institute selection process is looking for curious and engaged young people with experience or demonstrated interest in  grassroots organizing, policy development, and legal advocacy. Participants should demonstrate an interest and familiarity with civil rights and civil liberties issues and a passion for advocacy and/or community organizing.

Who can I contact with application or scholarship questions?

PROGRAMMING

Can you tell me more about the experience during the ACLU Advocacy Institute Program?

  • The 2024 National Advocacy Institute will prepare high school and college-aged participants for lifelong engagement on political topics, grassroots organizing, professional advocacy, and legal activism. You’ll be joined by  like-minded peers with a passion for political discussions, organizing and community involvement, for a program that will build advocacy skills, enhance knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights issues, and expose students to professional opportunities in nonprofit organizations, public policy, law, communications, and social impact work.

Who should I contact with any questions or concerns before and during the ACLU Advocacy Institute Program?

  • For any concerns leading up to the program or during the program, please email institute@aclu.org

How can participants raise funds for their program tuition?

  • Participants can create a GoFundMe page and remind friends and family via social media to help support their attendance to the program. Those who are currently enrolled in college can also speak with their advisor about grant opportunities offered at their college that can be used to help pay for extracurricular programs such as the College and Community Program.

RETURN TO ACLU HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

REURN TO ACLU COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAM

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