New Politics Forum

DATE CHANGE: Join us for the 1st Pizza & Politics of the fall 2025 semester on Wed, Sep. 3rd at 5:30 pm in CMA 5.136! 🍕

We will be debriefing the Texas Legislature's recent battles over redistricting, THC regulation, and STAAR testing.
Pizza from VIA 313 will be provided, register in advance on Hornslink through the link in our bio! 👉🔗

We are so proud of our 2025 Theodore H. Strauss Civic Internship Award recipients! 🌟 Each of these students embarked on civic journeys that fortified their professional skills, deepened their passion for civic engagement, and expanded their knowledge of research and policy analysis. 🤩
Keep a lookout for our Fall newsletter that will feature more information about these student's successful internships!

Join us for the 1st Pizza & Politics of the fall 2025 semester on 9/2 at 5:30 pm in CMA 5.136! 🍕
We will be debriefing the Texas Legislature's recent battles over redistricting, THC regulation, and STAAR testing.
Pizza from VIA 313 will be provided, register in advance on Hornslink through the link in our bio! 👉🔗

This year’s TCA Leadership Summit was full of ❤️All Too Well❤️ moments, 💛Fearless💛 conversations, and 💜Enchanted💜 opportunities to build stronger communities. We can’t wait to see these students 🩵Style🩵 their civic projects with passion and creativity.
Stay tuned as we post more about ✨The Life of a TCA✨

Last, but certainly not least, the rest of our Austin TCAs! Swipe to read more about each incredible student, we can't wait to support their civic milestones and accomplishments!

Sending a burnt orange welcome to our Austin Texas Civic Ambassadors! We’re thrilled to have these students join this years cohort and can’t wait to share their civic accomplishments! Swipe to meet each student!

Introducing our Houston area Texas Civic Ambassadors! We’re so excited to welcome these bright minds to the cohort, swipe to meet each student and learn more about them!

Welcoming this amazing group of students to the new Texas Civic Ambassadors cohort! These students represent UTEP, UTRGV, St. Mary's University, UTSA, and Dallas College, Richland! Swipe to meet each student, we’re so excited to be a part of their journey in civic engagement!

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Texas Civic Ambassadors cohort! This year we welcome 20 students that represent 9 different colleges and universities.
Each Ambassador brings a unique perspective, passion, and commitment to civic leadership. We can't wait to help support them as they launch their civic projects!

Stay tuned as we spotlight each student and their accomplishments and dedication to making a difference in Texas and beyond.

Congratulations to TCA Jaxson Shealy on receiving the 2025 Pal-Make A Difference Award!

"Originally from Coppell, Texas, he is an economics and government major. Jaxson was chosen for the award because of his work at the Texas Civic Ambassadors Program, where he founded Texas Helping Hand, a student organization aimed at supporting nonprofits that serve the homeless. With guidance from the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, Jaxson helped launch the Spring '25 Advocacy, Volunteering, and Consulting (AVC) Program. This initiative harnesses students' unique skills to help nonprofits overcome their lack of resources. Additionally, Jaxson leveraged his connections with Greek life organizations to help Keep Austin Fed establish a food storage system for surplus cafeteria meals.

By strengthening organizations' capabilities, Jaxson has helped non-profits achieve immediate success and foster a culture of student engagement in public service."

Read more about the award here: https://universityunions.utexas.edu/awards

🚨The final deadline to apply for the Texas Civic Ambassadors Program is TODAY!🚨
The TCA Program prepares students across the state to be civically active leaders through youth-focused trainings and civic learning opportunities. Here’s what students can expect:
⭐Exclusive TCA Leadership Summit at UT Austin
⭐Opportunity to develop a civic outreach project
⭐Sponsored access to Strauss Institute events, including The Texas Tribune Festival
⭐Professional networking and a statewide network of other civic minded peers

More info and apply here: bit.ly/TCAs2025

🚨DEADLINE EXTENDED! Award applications are due May 12!🚨
⭐Do you have a summer internship in the field of public policy, government, or politics? UT Austin undergraduate students are encouraged to apply to the Theodore H. Strauss Civic Internship Award. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in your field while receiving financial support of $2,500!
⭐Are you a graduate student conducting original research in the areas of public service, government, community service, civic life, citizenship, or politics? The Patricia Witherspoon Research Award is a great opportunity to gain research experience in your field of interest while receiving financial support of $2,000!

Apply now!
Strauss: https://straussinstitute.moody.utexas.edu/collegiate/theodore-h-strauss-civic-internship-award
Witherspoon: https://straussinstitute.moody.utexas.edu/collegiate/patricia-witherspoon-research-award