Turning Ideas into Action. Building Civic Futures.

It starts here. It starts with you.

“It gave me confidence that my voice matters, even if I’m just starting out.”
— Civic Embers participant, Spring 2025“It was very inspiring to hear that we are not alone in our struggles, that we can connect across the world.”
— Ukrainian student, age 19

About the Civic Embers Program

Civic Embers is a youth education program that connects high school students in Ukraine and the United States to explore civic identity, grow as leaders, and take meaningful action. Through virtual cross-cultural exchanges, media literacy training, and hands-on project work, participants develop a civic lens—one that helps them better understand both local and global challenges and recognize their role in shaping change. The program supports youth voice and agency in a safe, inclusive space where ideas are respected and shared. Together, students build the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex world and become active, engaged members of their communities.

How It Works

The Civic Embers experience helps you explore real-world issues, share your voice, and take meaningful steps toward community impact. Here’s how it works:1. Join the Program
Once you’re accepted, you’ll get access to our online platform (Canvas) where weekly lessons are published. You’ll also receive a unique student ID that connects your work across activities, forms, and credentials.2. Learn at Your Own Pace
Each week, you’ll complete a short lesson that includes videos, real-world examples, workshops and exercises. You’ll learn about democracy, media literacy, and youth-led participatory research—topics that help you better understand your world and your role in it.3. Participate in Discussions & Exchanges
You’ll connect with other students in interactive discussion boards, polls, and optional live Zoom meetups. You’ll also get the chance to exchange ideas with students from other countries through our Virtual Exchange.4. Build Skills (and Earn Micro-Credentials)
Every lesson helps you build real skills—like critical thinking, teamwork, storytelling, and community research. As you complete key activities, you’ll earn micro-credentials: digital badges that show what you’ve learned and can be shared on resumes or social media.5. Submit Weekly Reflections
Each week, you’ll answer a few simple questions to reflect on what you’ve learned and how it connects to your own story and community. Your answers are saved week by week to help you track your progress and build something bigger.6. Optional: Develop a Community Project
If you’re interested, you can take your reflections and turn them into a real project. You’ll get step-by-step support to define a problem, explore solutions, and write a clear plan. Projects can be submitted as a video, text, or slideshow.7. Share Your Work & Graduate
At the end of the program, you’ll be invited to present what you’ve created—whether that’s a full project or a personal insight. You’ll earn a Certificate of Completion, and if you submit a final project, you can earn a special Certificate of Distinction.

Join the Civic Embers Family

Are you 15 to 19 and from the U.S. or Ukraine? 
The next Civic Embers crew is forming for Fall 2025, and you could be part of it.
Sign up for our “Civic Kick-off” to find out what it’s all about, how it works, and if it’s the right fit for you.  
We’ll send you a personal invite!

Contact. Connect. Co-Create.

If you're an educator, institution, or funder interested in collaboration, partnership, or learning more about our work—including guest speaking, curriculum customization, or local project collaboration—please reach out using the form below. You can also request access to our Educator Program Demo—we’d be happy to provide a guided preview.