TEXAS CIVIC AMBASSADORS
The Texas Civic Ambassadors Program prepares students across the state to be civically engaged leaders through nonpartisan, youth-focused events and civic learning opportunities.
Applications are NOW OPEN!
Priority deadline: April 17th, 2026
Final deadline: May 15th, 2026
Civic Learning Opportunities
Ambassadors participate in two signature statewide gatherings hosted at The University of Texas at Austin. Throughout the year, participants also engage with experts in leadership development, public service, media, civic education, and community engagement. Ambassadors’ projects and overall development will continue to be supported by Institute staff throughout the remainder of the program.
Mentorship
Ambassadors are supported by researchers, practitioners, and advisors affiliated with the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life. In addition to this statewide network, each participant identifies a faculty or staff mentor on their home campus who provides guidance on civic outreach and programming, supports their leadership development, and offers accountability and institutional insight. Campus partners and program alumni may nominate a student by completing the nomination form.
Nonpartisan, youth-focused events
During their year of service, Ambassadors receive complimentary access to Institute events, including, Careers in Politics Conference, Great Conversations, Speak Up! Speak Out! Civics Fair, Texas Tribune Festival, special guest lectures and the Institute’s annual fundraising dinner Great Conversations. These events provide exposure to civic leaders, policymakers, journalists, and professionals working across Texas.
Community Impact
Ambassadors apply what they learn by designing and leading a structured civic initiative on their campus or in their community. Each project addresses one or more core civic gaps: strengthening civic knowledge, increasing voter engagement, or fostering trust and constructive dialogue within institutions and communities. The civic initiative is one component of a broader leadership development experience translating civic learning, statewide connection, and skill-building into meaningful, measurable impact.