Civic Bridgers is a national 501(c)(3) that prepares emerging leaders to defend democracy through bridging, a set of skills and practices that heal polarization and revive pluralism. Unlike many leadership programs, we do not prepare Bridgers to wield power over others; instead, we prepare them to leverage collective power to bridge some of America’s most calcified divides.

In March 2026, America’s Future Summit convenes 250 Minnesota teens for the nation’s 250th birthday, immersing them in a two-day civic leadership accelerator. Rather than simply studying democracy, students will practice it firsthand. Working in teams with adult mentors, they will address climate, education, and media. Students will emerge as Civic Bridgers — leaders who bridge divides and build a future on hopeful, ambitious, and citizen-led solutions.

Why Now?

Polarization and distrust tear at the fabric of our nation and cost our business community billions each year. Traditional civics education leaves students bored, disconnected, and disengaged. We need to equip leaders to be problem solvers of the future. On America’s 250th birthday, 250 teens will develop real world solutions to our most pressing challenges – not only through dreaming, but also through action. America’s Future Summit flips the script and immerses youth in collaboration, service, and real problem-solving.

America’s Future Summit 2026

A two-day summit where teens step into executive-level roles to solve real-world problems.