Student YMCA
USFSP - Civic Fellows Scholarship Program
A partnership between the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the YMCA
OVERVIEW
This partnership is an extension of the highly regarded YMCA Youth In Government (YIG) program. However, students from across the Y movement are able to participate!
Students will participate in their local Youth In Government, Leaders Club, or Achievers Programming, attend 3 online sessions, and attend a statewide YMCA event. The program concludes with the weeklong USFSP YMCA Summer Civics Institutes at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg.
The program is scheduled for June 14th-20th, 2026.
The scholarship covers the full tuition and fees cost of the six college credit hours and the on-campus Summer Civics Institute, totalling over $2,500. Students are responsible for YIG event costs, with need-based program scholarships available and transportation to and from the Summer Civics Institute.
Content delivery will occur in person and by using Google Classroom and include distance learning, experiential learning, service-learning, and civic engagement opportunities. The program will also include the Summer Civics Institute at USFSP with lectures, field trips, and activities, which will further deepen understanding of state and local government. As an added bonus high school students will likely get their first introduction to studying and living on a college campus. Students will earn six credits at USFSP for participation in the USFSP YMCA Civic Fellows Program: POS 3182 Florida Politics and Government (3 credits) and LDR 3263: Community Leadership Practicum: Civic Fellows Program (3 credits).
PROGRAM CONTACT
Chelsea Coombes
Chelsea@FloridaYMCAs.org | 727.386.9622
Additional Events
TEEN CHANGEMAKERS SUMMIT (DECEMBER 5-7, 2025)
- Dayspring Conference Center - Parrish, FL
- $165 Registration Fee – scholarships available
- Includes food and lodging
- Does not include transportation
STATE ASSEMBLY (APRIL 22-24, 2026)
- Tallahassee, FL
- $315 Registration Fee – scholarships available
- Includes some meals, programming materials, and conference venues
- Does NOT Include transportation or hotels, please check with your delegation for more information
- Registration Period – January 14 - February 18
LOCAL OR VIRTUAL CHAPTER or CLUB MEETINGS
- Civic Fellows are required to participate in weekly or biweekly chapter/club meetings
- Many schools and YMCAs meet locally
SUMMER CIVICS INSTITUTE (JUNE, 2025)
- University of South Florida, St. Petersburg Campus
- $50.00 Application fee
- Credits are covered for all Civic Fellows
- Includes food and lodging
- Does not include transportation