Civic Tech Institute
Overview
Empowering Civic Leaders with Data Skills for the Public Good
The Civic Tech Institute at Equitech Futures empowers leaders in the social sector - governments, nonprofits, and social enterprises - with the data and technology skills critical to achieving impact at scale.
Our project-based curriculum, anchored in cohort-based learning and led by world-class faculty, provides a practical understanding of applied data science and AI across various domains - from public health, climate change to the nature of networked societies.
The Civic Tech Institute is designed for social impact leaders who might not have a STEM background but want to learn how cutting-edge technology tools can be leveraged for the public good.
Why join
this program ?
Accessible from Anywhere
Equitech Futures is a digital campus for emerging innovators who want to use cutting-edge science and technology tools to tackle societal challenges. We offer live, virtual, project-based courses delivered in small cohorts. We believe that focused mentorship and cross-disciplinary instruction in data science, analytical reasoning, and public communication are critical to building a prosperous and equitable future.
Problems-Focused Approach
Looking at some of the most intractable social problems of our time - climate change, public health, and networked societies - the Civic Tech Institute cohort will reckon with the context surrounding these problems, existing interventions, and new opportunities to apply data skills to engage collaboration and make a positive impact.
Tools to Accelerate Your Career
The Civic Tech Institute curriculum advances careers in social entrepreneurship, government, policy, non-governmental organizations, and non-profits. Our goal is to provide you with varied perspectives and lenses that will help you make the biggest impact in your chosen field.
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"While working toward becoming a mental health researcher, I loved being part of a group of diverse and smart individuals from all over the world who are creating impact in their communities. It made for really enriching conversations."
—
Sharon Nafuna, Uganda
What’s inside
The Curriculum
The Civic Tech Institute (CTI) is designed to teach the technological and community-based tools that can be deployed across sectors to address the most pressing social challenges of our time. This will be done via hands-on projects and idea labs that encourage you to explore topics deeply. You will also cultivate the essential skill of "learning to learn," which will equip you to tackle present and future challenges.
What you’ll learn
Civic Tech Toolkit
Community Action Lab
Writing Lab
Law + Tech Clinic
"In order to make an impact, we need evidence-based solutions. The Civic Tech Institute challenged me to think about problems with a data mindset. How do we know which resources to trust? How do we process the data? Is there a global approach to the problem and the solution?"
—
Fátima Bourhim, Spain
Who is the
program for?
We believe transformative innovators transcend disciplines and are not defined by test scores. Our ideal applicants are creative problem-solvers in the social sector who are highly motivated and persistent in the face of challenges. We want people who welcome collaborative spaces, who wear their talent with humility, who take responsibility for their own learning and growth, and who want to use their talents in the service of other people.
Eligibility Criteria
Our eligibility criteria for the Civic Tech Institute are:
→ Applicants must have work experience, or show a demonstrated intent to work in, the social sector (eg: public policy, nonprofits, government, or social enterprises).
→ Applicants should be available to attend 3-hour daily live sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
→ Applicants would also need to commit an additional 10 hours per week over 10 weeks of instruction for projects and assignments.
We welcome applicants from all professional, geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We heavily encourage individuals from non-STEM backgrounds to apply. We also encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for the Civic Tech Institute.
Selection Process
→ Written applications for the 2025 cohort will open December 2, 2024
→ Written applications for the 2025 cohort are due January 13, 2025
→ Faculty interviews with finalists will be scheduled the week of February 3, 2025
→ Admissions offers for the 2025 cohort will be made by February 14, 2025
Faculty
Our faculty are leaders in their respective fields, comprising domain expertise in data science, climate science, behavioral science, public health, political theory, community organizing, and writing. Most of all, they are jointly committed to the craft of teaching. Our courses are designed for small cohorts of 25 students or fewer, ensuring that you will have bountiful opportunities to connect with our accomplished faculty in class and in individualized coachings.
"The core faculty come from different disciplines, so even if you already come to the Civic Tech Institute with advanced ideas on a topic, the conversations with the faculty and the cohort will allow you to take them further."
—
Riedwaan Fakier, South Africa
Community
Creating a Lifelong Community of Ambitious Minds
At the conclusion of each program term, graduates are entitled to a Certificate of Completion and are welcomed to join the Equitech Alumni Network. This cross-cohort community of talented young innovators share opportunities, collaborate on shared research, and inspire one another. A few of the privileges of alumni status include:
Continuing Education
Alumni from the Civic Tech Institute are invited to monthly Leadership Labs with leading practitioners in tech and academia where open dialogue is encouraged. The network also supports career preparedness with workshops and mentorship opportunities.
Career Support
The Civic Tech Institute curriculum is designed to advance your career in the public or social sectors. Our goal is to provide you with varied perspectives and lenses to help you envision the next generation solutions facing local communities. Faculty have written letters of recommendation for alumni who make exemplary strides in their coursework.
Regional Gatherings
In addition to online seminars and retreats, alumni are invited to attend regional "IRL" conference weekends where Equitech Futures alumni across cohorts are able to meet, ideate, and collaborate in-person. Equitech Futures faculty and staff facilitate these community gatherings. Within the last two years, we have hosted IRLs in Nairobi, Oxford, New Delhi, Kathmandu, Chicago, and New York.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the Civic Tech Institute is US $9500 and includes:
- Ten weeks of instruction
- Career support for participants throughout 2025
- Access to ongoing Equitech Alumni Network programming
Thanks to generous support from our philanthropic partners, we will provide full tuition waivers for each student admitted to the 2024 cohort.
"The Community Action Lab course taught me what to do when I'm presenting an idea to someone who has a different perspective than me. I learned techniques to advocate for my position in a respectful way that continues the dialogue."
—
Sherry Xue, China
Frequently Asked Questions
Remind meWhat educational qualifications does an ideal candidate have?
I don’t meet xyz criteria, but meet all the others. Can I still apply?
I have a question that isn’t listed here.
Who should apply?
I've done online learning before. How is this program different?
What is the format of classes?
I work full time. Will I have to ask my supervisor for time off work to complete this program?
I am a citizen of xyz country, residing in abc country. Can I still apply?
What technology platforms are used?
What happens if I begin but cannot complete the course?
How do we all meet across different time zones at the same time?
I am currently enrolled in an academic program. Am I eligible to apply for the CTI?
Remind me
to apply
