Change Agent Academy
Teen Think Tank Projects Change Agent Academy is a student-run policy institute that fosters critical thinking, research techniques, and problem-solving skills to develop policy frameworks for real-life issues and empower students to become future changemakers. In our program, participants work with fellow students, experts, thought leaders, and advocates to research, discuss and generate conceptual solutions for global and local problems, such as racial inequality, climate change, human rights, poverty, and health equity.
Change Agent Academy | Virtual Research Cohort
Our 60-hour program provides teens with the ability to:
- Attend virtual 90-minute meetings utilizing online learning tools, including Google Classroom and Zoom.
- Participate in a college-level research project geared toward elevating teen voices.
- Explore social justice issues in an academic setting.
- Develop a “growth mindset” – a major consideration in the college admission process.
- Create a public policy framework that advocates for reform.
- Connect with social justice advocates and thought leaders.
- Become an agent of change in their school & community.
- Publish content that enhances their academic resumes.
- Apply for a $500 scholarship awarded to the most outstanding member of the research cohort.
2024
Session | July 22 - August 8, 2024
Economic Equality: Financial Security
***MEETS EVERY MONDAY – THURSDAY from July 22 – August 8, 2024, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET***
Research focus: Achieving financial security and fighting poverty
Who will benefit?: High school students interested in investigating the financial, social, and legal struggles of low-income American families.
What will they learn?: Cohort members will work to understand how education inequalities, underemployment, inconsistent health benefits, and institutional prejudices prevent individuals from escaping poverty’s grip.
NOTE: This intensive cohort features blended instruction, which includes 36 contact hours and approximately 24 hours of asynchronous learning needed to achieve the benefits of our traditional program.
Health Equity: Mental Health Care
***MEETS EVERY MONDAY – THURSDAY from July 22 – August 8, 2024, 2 pm ET – 5 pm ET***
Research focus: Fixing America’s mental health crisis
Who will benefit?: High school students interested in investigating the financial, social, and legal struggles that prevent America from addressing the mental health crisis.
What will they learn?: Cohort members will work to understand how social stigmas, flawed policy initiatives, and lack of adequate healthcare leave millions of Americans unable to address their mental health issues.
NOTE: This intensive cohort features blended instruction, which includes 36 contact hours and approximately 24 hours of asynchronous learning needed to achieve the benefits of our traditional program.
Application
The Teen Think Tank Project’s Change Agent Academy features a merit-based enrollment process to ensure that each research cohort is made up of the best and brightest teen change agents.
- Each student is asked to complete an enrollment application that highlights the student’s past academic, personal, extracurricular, and civic achievements.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Instead of utilizing an “application deadline,” applications are accepted until the cohort reaches its maximum capacity (usually 12-15 students).
- Qualified applicants will be invited to an admission interview, increasing their chances of acceptance and tuition reduction assistance.
- Accepted students will receive an admission notice and be asked to complete an enrollment form to secure their seat in the cohort.
- Enrolled students and their parents/guardians will receive an “enrollment agreement” outlining the program details approximately 3-5 days after enrolling.
- Final tuition invoices will be sent, and payments will be due before the start of the cohort. (Payment plans are available to qualified students.)
Next Steps
Increase your chances for admission! Schedule an admissions interview.
Why should I schedule an interview?
- Applicants who participate in admission interviews have an admission rate 3X greater than that of students who do not schedule an interview.
- In order to be eligible for a scholarship, financial aid, or payment plan, applicants MUST participate in an admissions interview.
- Students who meet with an admission representative prior to enrolling have a clearer understanding of the program and the participation requirements.