High School Fellows Program

The Democracy Matters High School Fellows Program is designed to not only introduce students to the issue of money in politics but also give them support and guidance in developing skills of activism such as outreach, public speaking, and writing. Students who achieve the goals of the program will receive a certificate of achievement and a letter from Democracy Matters that will be sent to colleges and universities of the student’s choosing, outlining their accomplishments in the program and their development as an activist. Being a high school fellow will also act as a first step towards becoming a paid college coordinator. More than one student per high school can receive the certificate and letter as long as they are all contributing to the campaigns.

To complete the program, students must achieve the following goals:

• Find a faculty advisor who can supervise and sign off on your progress. The faculty advisor will be an ally in your efforts, helping you organize other faculty and students in putting together successful campaigns.

• Organize an assembly and/or class focused on the issue of money in politics by bringing in a guest speaker (activists, elected official, etc.), screening a movie followed by a discussion, etc.

• Write a letter to your elected officials advocating for fair elections and outlining the ways in which money in politics influences an issue of your choice (environment, healthcare, national defense, civil rights, etc.).

• Coordinate a group of students to do school and neighborhood outreach to educate community members about the clean elections system.

You will also:

•Receive a subscription to the Democracy Matters monthly E-News.

•Receive any materials and supplies needed for your campaigns (pins, movies, flyers, stickers, etc.).

•Receive support and guidance from a Democracy Matters Regional Field Organizer.

Don’t wait until college to become politically active. Learn how money in politics influences the issues that you care about and start becoming an effective advocate for change. Be part of the fastest growing youth movement in the country and help revolutionize our democracy by getting big money out of politics and putting the voices of the citizens back in. We look forward to working with you!

Apply today! Complete and submit our online internship application.