Civic Leadership Institute
Northwestern Center for Talent Development
About
The Civic Leadership Institute is designed to help high school students explore complex social and political issues through a combination of academic research and hands-on service. The program’s mission is to develop active citizens by challenging students to think critically about diverse viewpoints and the methods required to create social change. During the three-week session, participants engage in dialogue with peers, meet with government and non-profit leaders, and partner with local organizations for service projects. A unique value of the program is the "Action Plan," where students synthesize their learning to create a personalized strategy for addressing a specific issue in their own communities. Students receive a detailed narrative evaluation and certified service hours upon completion, providing tangible evidence of their leadership development.
Application Requirements
Timeline
Rolling Admission Period
Feb 19, 2026
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 7, 2026
Financial Aid Deadline
Apr 15, 2026
Rolling Admission Period
Jun 1, 2026
Final Application Deadline
Jun 1, 2026
Summer Session
Jun 28, 2026 – Jul 17, 2026