Council on Civic Strength Task Force
·
2025

Experiential Civic Learning for American Democracy: A Portrait of the Field

Key Finding

A field survey of 31 experiential civic-learning programs names polarization as a top implementation barrier and argues well-designed programs can build pluralism and bridge-building skills.

About this research

This white paper from the Council on Civic Strength Task Force on the Value of Experiential Civic Learning, co-chaired by Danielle Allen and Elizabeth Clay Roy, surveyed leaders of 31 experiential civic-learning programs (10 national, 21 state or local) through an online questionnaire fielded June–October 2024 to map program models, teaching practices, and barriers to the field. It finds that most programs pair preparation with real-world civic practice, such as simulated hearings and community service, and names polarization and distrust of institutions as a top implementation barrier alongside funding gaps and a lack of standardized evaluation — while arguing well-designed programs can still build pluralism and bridge-building skills.
Format

White Paper

Year

2025

Published by

Council on Civic Strength Task Force on the Value of Experiential Civic Learning (hosted via Center for Civic Education)

Category

Field Landscape & Capacity

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