Forward Montana is seeking ten high school students to participate in our High School Fellowship civics camp this coming summer! We’re seeking candidates who are invested in utilizing democracy to create the change they wish to see, who are self-reliant leaders looking to address issues in their communities, and who love to learn about issues deeply and implement those learnings through practice. 

This fellowship will take place over the summer, mostly from July 9th-12th, with some opportunities for leadership building and field work within the fellows’ respective communities following the camp. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, you'll receive a $500 stipend, and will walk away with a robust civic education, some nice merch, and skills in event planning and community organizing.

Think of a fun and engaging civics crash-course without the fluorescent classroom lighting and less screen time! Fellows will have the opportunity to use part of their summer break to learn about civic engagement as it relates to their own community interests and grow a statewide network of young people to fuel future power-building efforts among Montana youth in their own backyard. This fellowship is open to high school students with a range of interests and experience levels!

Who We Are

Forward Montana is dedicated to engaging and mobilizing young Montanans to help shape their democracy to improve their lives and the lives of fellow Montanans. We put young people and high school students on the front lines of civic engagement statewide, basing our efforts out of Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and the greater Flathead area.

What You’ll Do

High school fellows report to the Civic Education Organizer, and are responsible for the following:

• Participate in an in-person civics camp at Lubrecht Forest from July 9th to July 12th. 

• Having fun! Yes, while you’ll walk away from this camp with a boosted civic education, community is built through fun and togetherness- there will be plenty of hiking, activities, water time, games, music, and time to chill, as well as shared meals!

• Review and reflect on essential materials leading up to the week of the camp, which will prime fellows to enter with insights that we can discuss together and use to build collective discourse for the rest of the week.

• Engage in discussions and activities focused on community organizing, relationship building, and equity considerations. 

• Fellows will also have the opportunity to engage in field efforts in or near their communities with FMT staff members (location permitting, accommodations will be made otherwise). 

• Fellows will receive a project-based and interactive approach to a civic education through Civic Templates, and will have the opportunity to facilitate one on their own!

• Lastly, fellows will produce a final project that ties together all of the things that have been gleaned from the fellowship. This project is meant to be fun and impactful! This summer, the final project will culminate in the lessons of the week and revolve around matters of the Courts in Montana!

Logistics

• Availability July 9-12th is required.

• Fellows will receive a $500 stipend to offset the costs associated with attending the camp. If getting to Lubrecht Forest for camp is still cost prohibitive, please reach out to Sylvia (she/her) at sylvia@forwardmontana.org! 

• Aside from the camp, the remainder of the fellowship will take place remotely and/or asynchronously, as there will be opportunities for fellows to execute work within their community.*

• Fellows should be comfortable working remotely while adhering to deadlines and managing time effectively.

• Fellows must be high school students during the Summer of 2024.

• Applications will close on June 14th at 5pm. 

If you are a high school student in Montana, or you know one who may be interested, please direct any questions to Sylvia (she/her) at sylvia@forwardmontana.org.

People of color, LGBTQ2S+ people, women, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

*All in person events are to be determined based on CDC regulations regarding COVID-19