Youth Civic Solutions Competition
The Youth Advisory Solutions Competition invites young people to share bold, fresh solutions that strengthen civic knowledge, engagement, and trust among their peers.
INTRODUCTION
Solving problems that matter
Young people need real opportunities to brainstorm ideas and test solutions that enhance civic life. This competition makes that possible – we welcome creative proposals that help their peers learn, engage, and build trust.
The Challenge
Young people want to take action in their community, but their ideas are often overlooked or underfunded, even when they know the challenges firsthand.
The Experience
Participants submit a short written response or video sharing their ideas. Winners receive a $1,000 award, national visibility, and connections to civic leaders.
The Impact
By giving their peers the knowledge and tools to act, they’re helping build a more informed, active generation of problem-solvers.
WHY APPLY?
Support for your big idea
This is your chance to shape the future of youth civic engagement and make a real difference in your community and beyond. Past winning projects have ranged from art and storytelling to lobbying and using VR technology.
- Share your ideas on a national platform
- Help your peers learn, engage, and build trust
- Gain recognition for your leadership and creativity
- Receive funding to support your work
- Connect with older adult allies and young people strengthening civic life
Building Knowledge, Engagement, and Trust
By the Numbers
How It Works
Participants can submit either a short, written response (300 words) or a video (up to 1 minute) addressing one of three prompts:
- How can Gen Z improve its civic knowledge and media literacy?
- How can Gen Z increase its civic and political engagement?
- How can Gen Z strengthen trust, which is essential for democracy, including trust in people and trust in institutions?
Meet Damaryan Benton
Damaryan Benton is a 2024 Youth Civic Solutions Competition winner. He created a digital collective that helps Gen Z build stronger communication and media skills through interactive events and tools.
“Gen Z isn’t disengaged. They’re disillusioned by broken systems that don’t reflect or respond to their realities. The key isn’t just telling them to show up. It’s showing them why it matters and where their voice fits in. Our work is about turning passive awareness into active participation, making civic engagement accessible, personal, and necessary.”
Damaryan Benton
Young Leader
Meet David Guo
David Guo is a 2024 Youth Civic Solutions Competition Winner. He leads an organization that uses art to explore civic issues with young people in Fountain Hills, AZ.
“I am encouraging Gen Z to improve its civic knowledge and media literacy because it is important for a thriving democracy. In addition, ensuring civic engagement sets up the future for Gen Z leaders to make a difference. I do that by starting an art competition where students will create paintings or drawings on civic issues.”
David Guo
Young Leader
Meet Emily Gorodetskiy
Emily Gorodetskiy is a 2024 Youth Civic Solutions Competition Winner. She designed an app called VR-ing Democracy, which helps first-time voters experience what it’s like to cast a ballot.
“I am inspiring Gen Z to be more civically engaged because I feel they should be prepared to vote with well-grounded decisions the second they hit the voting age. VRing Democracy is a civic project focused on using virtual reality to educate and empower voters, especially those facing language barriers or unfamiliarity with polling procedures.”
Emily Gorodetskiy
Young Leader
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Young people across the United States aged 14-24, with two divisions: High School (14-18) and Young Adult (18-24).
What do young people gain by participating?
Winners receive $1,000 to support their initiatives, opportunities to connect with other civic leaders and get national recognition for their work.
What does participation look like?
Participants submit a short written response or video sharing their ideas. Winners receive funding to bring their ideas to life.
How can I learn more or get in touch?
Not ready to apply, but interested in learning more?
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