Sunlight streaming through tall windows illuminates a crucifix

The Church Needs Your Leadership

The Catholic Civic Leadership Institute forms young Catholics, Christians, and all people of goodwill aged 18–26 for faithful leadership in government, law, business, economics, diplomacy, and public policy—building campus chapters, fully funded fellowships, and a lifelong network to transform those consequential institutions from within.

Called to lead. Formed in virtue. Sent to serve.

Government Law Business Economics Diplomacy Public Policy
Why This Exists

Something Is Going to Form You.
We Think It Should Be the Church.

Between graduation and your first leadership role, something fills the gap—a political tribe, a corporate culture, a secular ideology. You won’t navigate that window alone—whether you choose to or not. Other organizations on campus are already competing to form you for partisan ends, corporate pipelines, or secular ambition. We exist to make sure you never have to choose between your faith and your professional goals.

The Gap Nobody Talks About

The Church forms you through the sacraments. Senior networks form executives. But between campus and career? That’s the gap we close—before someone else fills it for you.

Your Career Is a Mission

You’re not just building a resume. You’re being sent into institutions that shape the common good—as a lay missionary. Your workplace is your mission field.

Faithful. Rigorous. Not Partisan.

Everything we teach is rooted in the cardinal virtues and the Catholic intellectual tradition, under diocesan oversight. The tradition challenges every tribe. We form you to think with the Church, not a party.

The Civitas Program

Formation Programs

All fellowships and scholarships are fully funded for selected participants. You bring the conviction—we provide the formation, the community, and the credential.

Find

Campus Chapters

Student-led chapters building Catholic intellectual community on campuses across the country through monthly reading and discussion groups, peer-led events, and tabling that invites new members to ‘come and see.’ Light in structure, serious in purpose.

Launching Now
Form

The Civitas Seminar

The gateway to all Institute formation. Semi-monthly online sessions open to all chapter members, deepening engagement with the Catholic intellectual tradition through facilitated case-study sessions, communal prayer, and guided discussion.

Launching Fall 2026
Form

The Summer Fellowship — Austin, TX

The center of gravity in our formation program. A two-week intensive residency for selected fellows, focused on the cardinal virtues, public policy, and the practical craft of leadership. Twenty to twenty-five fellows. Fully funded.

Beginning May 2027
Lead

Washington & Rome Scholarships

Immersive placement inside the institutions that shape federal policy and international diplomacy for our most exceptional fellows.

Coming Soon
How We Form You

Four Pillars. One Mission.

We don’t just teach ideas—we form leaders. Every dimension of the program is designed to prepare you for faithful, effective witness in the public square.

Intellectual

Systematic study of the Catholic intellectual tradition and its application to public life—the foundation for every decision you’ll face.

Spiritual

Daily Mass, prayer, spiritual direction, and the sacraments—because leadership without an interior life doesn’t last.

Practical

Training in the craft of leadership: deliberation, public speaking, and persuasive writing—the skills you need to lead with both principle and competence.

Communal

Lifelong cohorts of peers and mentors that sustain faithful witness across decades—and sending the next generation.

Get Involved

This Starts With You

We’re building something new—a national formation institute for young Catholic leaders. Whether you’re a student ready to step up, a campus minister who knows exactly who needs this, or a supporter who wants to make it possible—there’s a place for you here.

Start or Join a Chapter

Be a founding chapter president on your campus. We give you everything you need to launch.

Apply for a Fellowship or Scholarship

Seminars, Summer Fellowship, and Washington & Rome Scholarships. Fully funded. Contact us for details.

Partner or Donate

Campus ministers, clergy, parents, and donors—your support makes every fellowship possible.

Let’s Connect