CPLI Civic Engagement Camp

The Civic Leadership Camp is a program developed by the Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana (CPLI) to strengthen youth understanding of civic systems and empower them to become advocates for change. This three-day civic education camp lasts July 7-9th from 9am -2pm and will equip young people ages 12-18 with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to influence policy, promote equity, and engage meaningfully in their communities.

Grounded in the economic realities of Indianapolis and the broader Indiana landscape, the program also introduces participants to the key industries shaping opportunity across the region. Youth will explore how these economic drivers influence public policy, workforce development, education systems, and community investment. By connecting civic engagement with local and statewide economic trends, participants gain a deeper understanding of how decisions made at the policy level impact access to jobs, wages, housing, and long-term economic mobility for their communities.

Program Objectives

• Increase Civic Literacy: Equip youth with foundational knowledge of government structures, policymaking processes, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens, while helping them understand how economic policy shapes community outcomes.
  
  
• Develop Leadership Skills: Strengthen participants’ confidence, communication, and advocacy abilities through experiential workshops, mentorship, and exposure to leaders across key industries driving Indiana’s economy.
  
  
• Promote Youth Voice: Create pathways for young people to contribute to real policy discussions and community initiatives, particularly those connected to economic equity, workforce access, and community development.
  
  

Foster Career Readiness: Provide hands-on professional experiences that connect civic engagement to public service and social impact careers, while also introducing participants to high-growth sectors and career pathways within Indiana’s evolving economy.

We will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day! If you are unable to pay the $30 fee, please reach out to damica@cpliofindiana.org and we will work to manage something together. We thank those who make the YJLP possible, such as the CICF Elevation Grant Program and the Glick Philanthropies Fund!