2026 ACLU National Advocacy Institute

Our civil rights and liberties are under attack. Within hours of President Trump’s second inauguration, it was clear that he and his administration would, once again, test the Constitution and the willingness of our nation’s institutions and people to defend it. Faced with policies that threaten immigrant families, reproductive health, and LGBTQ+ freedom it can be difficult to persevere and fight against injustice—especially if you cannot even vote. But now, more than ever, it is essential that young people and emerging voices are at the forefront of the resistance.

To help prepare for the fight ahead, we invite you to apply for the ACLU National Advocacy Institute: Washington D.C., a program for high school students.

NEW for 2026! For the first time in its history, the ACLU National Advocacy Institute: Washington D.C. will expand from a week-long program to a 10-day program!

• Monday, July 20, 2026 – Wednesday, July 29, 2026

For a third year, we will host this program on American University’s campus.

Apply today!

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Gathering in Washington, D.C., high school students (ages 15-18) from across the United States will participate in an immersive learning experience for the next generation of social justice advocates.

Here, you will engage directly with ACLU lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and other experts working to defend the civil rights and civil liberties that are critical to a free and open society. Through classroom sessions, lectures, site visits, and policy discussions, you will explore the complex nature of issue advocacy, legal strategy, and real-world political decision making in Washington, D.C. as well as return home with advocacy tools to make change in your community. In addition to the important knowledge you will gain, you will form life-long bonds with fellow advocates and find your community.

This year is a unique opportunity to renew our constitutional values as the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary!

Whether you are coming into the National Advocacy Institute with no advocacy experience or years of it, your time spent in Washington D.C. will be invaluable.

Throughout the week, you will partake in:

• Issue Electives covering the ACLU’s wide array of issue areas, taught by communications experts, organizers, lawyers, policy advocates, and other professional staff from the ACLU and partner organizations;
• Daily homeroom sessions in small groups to discuss the most pressing issues of today and the impact on young people;
• Keynote sessions and seminars from some of the most prominent ACLU staff and partner organizations;
• Day of Action where you’ll participate in a collective advocacy to move the needle on one or more pressing civil liberties issues before legislators at that very moment! In the past we’ve conducted lobby visits with members of Congress, held rallies at the Capitol, conducted phone/text banking, and participated in Letter to the Editor (LTE) writing campaigns (some students were published in major publications!), etc. This collective action could cover topics like immigration, systemic equality and anti-racism, ending censorship in education, regulating facial recognition technology, the protection of trans rights, and much more. This is not an exercise but a real opportunity to make your voices heard!
• Social events aimed to foster life-long connections and support structures with other youth activists from across the country.

What you’ll learn and gain:

• Boost your political knowledge and campaign abilities;
• Learn more about mobilizing issue-based advocacy campaigns and growing a team;
• Identify strategies for engaging with policymakers and maximizing impact for the issues that drive you.

SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR 2026!

While every program year is designed to respond to the most pressing issues at that current time, 2026 will be a particularly special year at the National Advocacy Institute.

• The ACLU National Advocacy Institute is celebrating 10 years of programming! You can expect more opportunities to engage with former participants of the program from alumni panels and special guest speakers.

• This year, the National Advocacy Institute will overlap with the ACLU Biennial Leadership Conference! ACLU-Affiliate Board Members from across the country are convening in Washington, D.C. this summer to discuss organizational priorities and to strategize a path forward. National Advocacy Institute participants will have the opportunity to attend the Biennial Gala dinner alongside leaders from the organization and participate in our largest Day of Action with members of the Biennial Leadership Conference.

• This July, America will celebrate 250 years of independence!

At the ACLU, we are looking for students to join us in this fight for freedom. Familiarity with civil liberties issues or advocacy methodologies is not required; however, we hope that you share our passion for civil rights and social justice. If you are already immersed in advocacy work, you will have the opportunity to deepen your skill set and expand your organizing network. Let this be your chance to learn, grow, and stand with your peers to overcome injustice.

We are thrilled to return to American University in Washington, D.C., where you will be stay in a residence hall, utilize their classroom space, and experience what it feels like to be in college. During program downtime, you will have the opportunity to explore campus and preview university life. Residential Assistants (RAs), that are largely college-aged program alumni, will be your first point of contact in the dormitories. Roommates will be assigned by gender identity and age but you are welcome to request a specific roommate through our Program Form after acceptance. Building security and residential staff are present in the residence halls and available 24/7.

Most meals will be eaten in American University’s dining hall. A wide variety of menu items are served including those that can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher.

The ACLU values a diverse Institute audience and strives to build an inclusive culture of belonging. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, and record of arrest or conviction, or any other personal identity characteristic. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and have any questions or need assistance applying online, please email institute@aclu.org.

You must complete the following requirements before the application deadline for the admissions committee to consider the student for the program.

1. Submit a completed online application
2. An adult (teacher, coach, mentor, manager, etc.) must complete our recommendation form or submit a letter of recommendation to institute@aclu.org

The admissions process for the program is built around three application deadlines: Early Decision, Regular Decision, and Final Deadline. All applications received after Final Deadline will be considered on a rolling-basis, if spots are still available. Preference will be given if you submit your application before the Early Decision deadline. You will hear from the admissions committee within three weeks after the deadline. Once you are accepted, you will be required to complete a registration form and submit a non-refundable deposit approximately two weeks after notification of the admissions decision (if you receive tuition assistance or a travel stipend, you must complete the enrollment form within this two-week period).

• Early Decision: Monday March 2nd
• Regular Decision: Monday April 13th
• Final Deadline: Monday, May 11th

All applications received on May 12th or later will be considered on a rolling-basis until program is at capacity. Students are highly encouraged to apply as soon as they are interested in the program.

The ACLU is committed to providing tuition assistance and travel stipends for students who qualify based on family income. A limited supply of full and partial assistance is available and based on need. Students interested in receiving assistance or a stipend must apply for Tuition Assistance at the same time as the Program Application. You will receive your admissions program decision and assistance decision in the same letter.

Please complete the separate tuition assistance application and use the same student email address that you provided in your general application.

Tuition for the In-person Program is $3,500 per student. This fee covers lodging, food, all experiential learning activities, and social events.

Have a question? Check our page for Frequently Asked Questions!