Driven by this deep commitment to civic health, CFA’s School Participatory Budgeting (SPB) program is an innovative approach to equipping, engaging, and empowering our rising generation to be active and informed participants in civic life.
SPB in Arizona is an innovative civic learning tool designed to improve student agency, collaboration and critical-thinking skills and prepare young people to be active, informed, and engaged participants in civic life for the long-term. Students “learn democracy by doing” through a process of participating in SPB steering committees on campus, developing proposals, and voting to fund improvement projects that build stronger school communities.
Start Date: August 2026
End Date: May 2027
Schedule: Fellowship participants must meet a monthly cohort training from August – May. In addition, they’ll need to attend a weekly 1:1 coaching meeting with an Aliento team member.
Location: School-based
Cost: Free
Financial Benefits: N/A
Age Range: 16-24
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Have Questions? Students can contact the Aliento team: info@alientoaz.org
I can understand myself, diverse perspectives, and how democracy and systems work. This is important because it helps me make sense of the world and engage as an informed citizen.
I can think critically, communicate clearly, and work with others to solve problems. This is important because it helps me build strong relationships and find fair solutions.
I can respect others, act with integrity, and take responsibility for creating change. This is important because it helps me contribute to a just, inclusive, and thriving community.
I can participate in my community and take action based on democratic values. This is important because it helps me turn ideas into impact and strengthen democracy.
