Stetson Changemakers Academy

Are you a high school student who is passionate about making a difference in your community?

Changemakers Academy is a free 4-day overnight summer academy designed to help rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors turn their passion for social justice into real-world progress.
Through interactive workshops with Stetson University students and faculty, along with local community leaders, you’ll develop skills for community organizing, explore critical social topics, and create a concrete plan to tackle the issues you care about. This summer academy empowers you to take your next step as a change-maker in your community while building relationships with peers from across Florida who also care about social justice!
Plus, thanks to our generous donors, everything—including tuition, housing, meals, and activities—is covered for 25 participants. Participants will need to arrange their transportation to/from DeLand, FL. Please contact us if transportation would be a barrier to your participation so we can help accommodate that challenge.

Applicant Information

First Name

Last Name

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Email Address

Phone Number

Birthdate

Are you related to any Stetson University faculty, staff, current students, or trustees?
(If yes, please list their name(s).)

Yes

List their names here:

Relation Information

Parent or Guardian First Name

Parent or Guardian Last Name

Parent or Guardian Email Address

Parent or Guardian Phone Number

School Information

What High School Do You Attend?

Select Your Grade in Fall 2026:

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Short Answer Questions (In 300 Words or Less)

1. What are 2 problems, issues, or challenges in your school, community, or the United States as a whole that you really want to see change? For each one, explain why you care about it and a change you want to happen with it.

2. Describe an example of a time when you stood up for what you believe in, helped others, or worked to make a positive change in your community. This could include experiences like volunteering, leading a school club, supporting a cause you care about, or handling an unfair situation affecting you and/or others.

3. Describe your gender identity(ies) and your racial identity(ies) and discuss how social inequalities related to gender and race have affected your life.

4. Who or what inspires you to make a difference, and why? How has this person, event, or idea shaped your outlook on leadership and social change?

Note: Consistent with Stetson University’s values, the Stetson Changemakers Academy celebrates demographic diversity among its participants, fosters an inclusive experience where everyone treats one another respectfully, and promotes social equity, which enables historically disadvantaged groups to participate as equals in society. By applying, you agree to act in accordance with these commitments if you are selected as a participant.

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Stetson Changemakers Academy

Are you a high school student who is passionate about making a difference in your community?

Changemakers Academy is a free 4-day overnight summer academy designed to help rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors turn their passion for social justice into real-world progress.