DemocracyReady NY Youth Cohort Application 2026-27 
DemocracyReady NY is a nonpartisan, intergenerational, statewide coalition committed to preparing all students for civic participation. We work collectively to:

  • Raise awareness about every student’s right under the state constitution to an education that prepares them for civic participation.
  • Strengthen policy, practice, and investment to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to engage effectively in civic and political life, today and in the future​. 
  • Eliminate inequities in access to P-12 civic learning opportunities.
  • Mobilize youth, families, educators, researchers, advocates, policymakers, and philanthropy to advance these goals.

What Is Our Youth Cohort Program?
Our youth cohort is a paid civic learning program that supports young people from urban, rural, and suburban districts across New York State as full members of the DemocracyReady NY Coalition. Youth members commit approximately five hours each month and receive a stipend of $300 for each semester of the 2026-27 school year. They are be expected to join at least one multigenerational working group and contribute to research, advocacy, and event planning as needed. Youth members attend virtual check-ins, working group meetings, and general coalition meetings. 

What Do DemocracyReady NY Youth Members Do? 
Our youth members engage in student-led inquiry and advocacy and work alongside other DemocracyReady NY Coalition members to advocate for civic readiness. The majority of activities will be held via Zoom to accommodate students across the state. 

Watch the 2025 cohort present their research on equity and access to civic learning opportunities across the state.

How Do I Apply?
Young people ages 15-18 throughout New York State are eligible to apply for the DemocracyReady NY youth cohort program and stipend. The program is open to youth regardless of immigration or school enrollment status.

If you are interested in applying, please fill out the form below by Friday, September 25th. 

Note: The application process will prioritize geographic diversity and youth who are sophomores and juniors who do not already have an internship or paid civic learning opportunity. 

Other Important Information
Students will receive a prorated stipend of up to $300 for their participation, awarded at the end of the fall and spring semester based on satisfactory participation. Requirements for participation in the program will include:
  • regular meeting attendance, 
  • participation in projects outside of meetings (e.g., following up on action items & research assignments),
  • the completion of a short reflection paper or creative project at the end of the year.
High school students' contributions may also be eligible for credit toward the award of the Seal of Civic Readiness, if their schools are participating.

Parent/Guardian consent will be required for participants under 18 years of age. 

If you have any questions about youth membership or the youth cohort stipend, please contact info@democracyreadyny.org.

** Please apply using a personal email address (e.g., Gmail) rather than a school email which can block external messages.
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Email *
First Name

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Last Name 
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Indicate Grade in High School, Year in College, or N/A if you are Not Currently Attending School

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Name of high school you attend/attended.

Write N/A if you are not currently attending school. 
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What is the school district or BOCES of your high school?  *
Name of College/University you attend.  *
Where do you live (Town/City)?

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If you are under 18, please provide the full name(s) 
of your parent(s)/guardian(s).

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Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Email
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Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Phone

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Date of Birth (you must be at least 15 years old)

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What social studies course(s) have you taken and/or do you plan to take? Please include the semester and year.

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If you are a high school student, does your school offer the Seal of Civic Readiness? Find out if your school offers the Seal. *
If you are a high school student, do you have a Seal of Civic Readiness project or course you plan to complete at your school? Please describe. 

If you are a college student, please tell us (1) your major and (2) indicate any civics coursework you have taken or are taking.
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