Atlas Academy is a curriculum artifact and legacy program of Atlas ERA — The Education Research Association. The broader Atlas ERA network is now the organizational home for our field-building, credentialing, and community connection work. Learn more about Atlas ERA →

A US-Squared Program · 02

ATLAS ACADEMY

Your map. Your future. On your terms.

Apply Now →
Youth in Atlas Academy Session
Program Structure

10 WEEKS. ONE MAP.

Each cohort meets weekly. Sessions are 2 hours, facilitated by trained mentors. Youth build toward a final portfolio presentation in Week 10.

Week 01
Who Am I?

Identity mapping, values, and the stories we carry.

Week 02
Where Am I From?

Family systems, cultural roots, and community.

Week 03
What Do I Know?

Knowledge inventory, skills, and lived expertise.

Week 04
What Blocks Me?

Systemic barriers, internalized limits, and design.

Week 05
Who Do I Trust?

Relationships, networks, and community building.

Week 06
What Do I Build?

Project design, prototyping, and iteration.

Week 07
How Do I Advocate?

Voice, policy, storytelling, and public speaking.

Week 08
Who Came Before?

Movement history, mentors, and legacy.

Week 09
What Is My Future?

Visioning, goal mapping, and resource planning.

Week 10
Closing Ceremony

Portfolio presentation, community celebration, next steps.

From Cohort Alumni

IN THEIR WORDS

Atlas Academy gave me permission to take up space I never knew I was allowed to have.

[Placeholder Name] · Atlas Academy Cohort 2 Graduate
FREE RESOURCE  ·  ATLAS ACADEMY

Securing the Bag & Saving Your Summer

The Math Behind the Lifeguard Hustle

This financial literacy guide breaks down exactly how teen lifeguarding pays 2.7× more per hour than minimum wage jobs — while working fewer hours. Includes the full certification breakdown, test prep tips, and how to find your local opportunity anywhere in the U.S. 13 slides. Built for any teen, any city.

Download the Free Guide  →
Financial Literacy  ·  Career Readiness  ·  Ages 14–21  ·  Free Download
A US-Squared Research Institute Resource  ·  Atlas Academy  ·  us-squared.org
Cohort 4 · Summer 2026

APPLY TO ATLAS ACADEMY

Eligibility
  • Ages 14–21
  • Free to Apply
  • No prerequisites or experience required
Timeline
  • Applications open: May 2026
  • Decisions sent: June 2026
  • Cohort 4 begins: July 2026
Apply for Cohort 4 →
Questions

HAVE A QUESTION?

Send it our way — executive@us-squared.org