Get Involved

You must be a Central Illinois high school student, ages 15-19, ready to commit to the full program (Spring 2026). We're looking for youth who care deeply about civic issues and are willing to engage in authentic dialogue.

Applications for the inaugural season of Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix are now closed. Selected applicants will be contacted soon with next steps. Visit our About page (/about) to learn more about the program.

We're selecting 20-30 Summiteers from Central Illinois. This is a highly competitive, exclusive opportunity. We're looking for youth who demonstrate passion, commitment, and authentic voice.

No prior debate experience required! We provide comprehensive media training, debate coaching, and podcast production training. What matters is your willingness to learn and engage.

Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix is currently recruiting for Central Illinois. Future seasons may expand to other regions. Stay tuned for announcements about expanded locations.

The Spring 2026 production season (February-May) is complete.

This is a part-time commitment with 4-8 hours per week during production. Exact time requirements will be outlined in your selection letter.

Yes! Summiteers are compensated for their work. Exact compensation will be detailed in your selection agreement.

Transportation (bus cards) and meals are provided on all production days. We want to remove barriers to participation.

Yes, in partnership with University of Illinois. Participants may earn college credit through the Communiversity Public Media Project. Details will be provided during the program.

You choose! In our Flip the Script format, YOU decide the topics that matter to your community. We're not forcing adults' debate topics on you, your issues are what matters.

Traditional debate asks you to perform positions you might not believe. Flip the Script is different: you argue from YOUR authentic perspective on issues YOU care about. We're centering youth voice, not academic debate performance.

Absolutely! We believe hip-hop culture IS civic culture. Your music, your art, your perspective, all of it matters and will be featured.

TV episodes for Illinois Public Media, podcasts, digital content, and behind-the-scenes materials. You'll develop content across multiple platforms.

Yes, this is a filmed production for television and digital media. Your image, voice, and ideas will be featured.

We have a comprehensive Parent Portal with real-time updates, filming schedules, episode access, safety information, required forms, and communication channels with the production team.

Safety is our top priority. We have professional staff on set, established protocols, medical information on file, and regular communication with parents/guardians. Your safety and well-being come first.

Yes! Parents are welcome at filming days. We'll provide details about parking, logistics, and which days are best for observation.

Talk to us! We understand conflicts happen. Contact the production team to discuss alternative arrangements.

We require emergency contact information, medical forms, and allergy documentation. Professional staff are on-site, first aid kits available, and emergency procedures established.

Academic Civic NIL connects Name, Image and Likeness with civic learning and a portfolio of media work. Parents can monitor and support their child's online presence via the Parent Portal.

Yes! The Parent Portal provides real-time access to your child's cast member profile, filming schedule, episode appearances, and Academic Civic NIL analytics.

Contact us immediately! We have content moderation systems and human review processes. Parents can flag concerns through the portal or contact the production team directly.

Yes. All staff working with youth undergo background checks and training in youth safety protocols.

The program carries liability insurance covering participants during filming and program activities. Details will be provided in your selection agreement.

Because this is a filmed TV production, Illinois law (the Right of Publicity Act) requires your written permission before we can use your name, image, voice, or likeness on screen. This protects YOU, it means no one can use your identity without your say-so. The release form is how you give us that permission, and it's required before you can participate in any filming or casting.

It's a state law (765 ILCS 1075) that protects your identity, your name, photo, image, voice, and even things that make you recognizable (like a unique outfit or style). It means no one can use your identity for commercial purposes without your written consent. For Teen Summit, this means we need your signed release before we can feature you in any content.

Illinois is a two-party consent state, which means everyone being recorded, both audio and video, must agree to it. This law exists to protect your privacy. That's why we need signed consent forms from every participant before any cameras roll. It's not just a Teen Summit rule, it's the law.

Yes! Under Illinois law, a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent for any minor appearing in recorded or broadcast content. That's why our application includes a parental consent section. Both you AND your parent/guardian need to agree before you can participate.

Our Academic Civic NIL framework connects Name, Image and Likeness with civic learning. It helps Summiteers develop a personal brand and understand their rights. Contact the team about the protections that apply to your work.

Great question! Under Illinois law, 'identity' goes beyond just your face. If you can be recognized by your voice, clothing, context, or other details, even with your face obscured, consent is still needed. That's why we get proper written releases rather than relying on blurring alone. It's the right way to protect everyone.

Your media release covers use of your content for television broadcast, streaming, social media, promotional materials, and educational purposes. This is standard for any broadcast production. The good news? Through Academic Civic NIL, you'll build a professional portfolio of your work that YOU own and can use for college applications, scholarships, and your future career.

Academic Civic NIL connects Name, Image and Likeness with civic learning. Develop a civic identity and a portfolio around the issues that matter to you.

Definitely! College credit is available, and you'll build a portfolio of professional media content, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated leadership experience that strengthens college applications.

Professional media training including on-camera presence, podcast production, debate coaching, and personal branding. Plus mentorship from industry professionals and UIUC faculty.

Yes! You'll connect with 19-29 other passionate young leaders, mentors, production professionals, and university partners. These relationships matter.

Visit the Summiteer Application page and complete the online form. It includes personal information, essay questions, and parental consent. Plan to spend 30-45 minutes on the application.

We'll notify selected Summiteers in early February 2026. All applicants will receive a decision notification.

Contact us! Use the Contact page or email us. We're here to answer your questions and support your interest.

You don't need any special equipment! We provide all filming equipment, microphones, and technology. If you have a smartphone for personal brand building, that's helpful but not required.

Yes! We schedule around school activities and understand commitments. However, you must prioritize filming dates once the schedule is released.

Communicate early! We understand emergencies happen. Contact the production team immediately to discuss alternatives or rescheduling options.

All filming happens in Central Illinois, primarily at partner facilities with accessible parking and amenities. Exact locations will be shared with selected Summiteers.

Yes! You'll receive official documentation of participation, letters of recommendation from program leadership, and a portfolio of your work for college applications.

Generally no during active filming for focus and professionalism. However, we may have special observation days where guests are welcome. Details will be shared during orientation.

We have contingency plans for weather and emergencies. You'll be notified immediately via text/email. Make-up dates will be scheduled and communicated through the Parent Portal.

Yes, if you attend high school in Central Illinois and meet age requirements. Note that work authorization may be required for compensation.

Yes! Summiteers receive a detailed Wardrobe Guide at onboarding. Key points: wear jewel tones (sapphire, emerald, ruby, teal), soft-sole shoes only (sneakers, canvas, rubber-sole boots), avoid fine patterns, neon colors, all-white or all-black, large logos, and metallic fabrics.

Typically 3-5 hours including setup, filming, and wrap. Exact times vary by episode type. Schedules are released 2 weeks in advance.

Yes, with permission! We encourage sharing behind-the-scenes content. Final episodes require permission before posting. Details in your agreement.

We prioritize authentic representation. Contact production immediately if you have concerns. We can review footage and discuss edits before publication.

Yes! Meals and snacks are provided on all full-day filming sessions. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated, notify us during onboarding.

Generally no, to maintain focus. However, parents are welcome, and we may have family days where siblings can observe.

YOU choose the topics! Our Flip the Script format means you only debate issues you care about from perspectives you actually hold. No forced positions.

No! Filming happens outside school hours (evenings/weekends). Plus, you can earn college credit and strengthen college applications through participation.

Ages 15-19, typically grades 9-12 and recent graduates. You'll work with peers across age ranges, fostering mentorship and diverse perspectives.

This is a season-long commitment. If you have concerns about specific topics, discuss with production during planning. We accommodate reasonable requests.