top of page
summit 2.jpg
1.png

Civic Based Learning Program

Empowering Youth to Discover, Understand, and Lead Through Civic Action

The Civic-Based Learning Program is a dynamic, real-world educational experience designed to help students uncover their civic values, understand the systems that shape their communities, and become effective, responsible change makers. Developed and led by the Civic Education Center (CEC), this program integrates classroom instruction, community exploration, and project-based learning to develop civic intelligence, youth voice, and leadership.

Equip Students - Ideas Grow

What We Do

Our program equips students in grades 8–12 with the tools to discuss civic values, analyze community issues, research authentic information from multiple perspectives and design and implement meaningful civic engagement projects.

​

We provide:

  • Standards-aligned curriculum and interactive workbooks

​​

  • Direct instruction on civic values, systems thinking, and issue analysis.  This instruction can be provided 

    • Comprehensive Year long program​

    • Accelerated Program (1 Semester)

    • Online Program

​​​

  • Guided practice through identity mapping, SWOT analysis, and community resource mapping

  • Civic simulations and real-world scenarios

  • Guidance on rigorous research.  (Goal -  authentic and informed youth voice).  

  • Connections to Community experts and organizations so that they may be able to partner alongside students and schools to implement the civic project.  

  • Walk students through the civic project planning, organizing, and executing process.​​​​

​

Educators receive full support through:

  • Training on the CEC Curriculum, activity guide, and civic planner tools

  • On-site modeling and co-teaching of civic lessons

  • Access to community partner networks and project consultation

  • Guidance on implementing the State Seal of Civic Engagement

Program Features

  • Youth Voice & Identity Work: Students begin by exploring their own identities, values, and personal experiences to understand what matters most to them. Tools like identity maps and value sort activities allow students to anchor their civic learning in who they are.

​​

  • Community Connection: Students engage in neighborhood walkabouts, community partner interviews, and boots-on-the-ground explorations to witness real civic work in action. They learn to observe critically, ask powerful questions, and identify authentic issues that impact their communities.

​​

  • Skill Development: Through structured activities like the Civic Tree, Issue Mapping, and power analysis, students develop skills in research, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration.

​​

  • Civic Projects: The culminating experience is a student-led civic action project. These are not just hypothetical exercises—students research, plan, and carry out projects to address real-world issues, from improving school environments to influencing policy.

​​

  • Leadership & Reflection: Students gain hands-on experience managing setbacks, navigating systems, and adapting to challenges. Reflection and growth are key components, helping students build resilience and civic efficacy.

Click on the button above to set up your free consultation to get your school started.

Outcomes & Impact

The Civic-Based Learning Program creates long-lasting impacts not only on student development but also on the schools and communities they serve.

 

For Students:

  • Stronger School Connection: Students become more engaged in their school environment, taking ownership of campus life and contributing to positive culture shifts.

  • Increased Civic Awareness: Youth develop a deeper understanding of how government, systems, and policies affect their lives—and how they can make a difference.

  • Empowered Youth Voice: Through guided exploration and public speaking opportunities, students build confidence and the ability to advocate for themselves and others.

  • Pathways to Leadership: Students gain experience in teamwork, leadership, and civic action—essential skills for future academic, career, and community involvement.

  • Recognition and Achievement: Students work toward completing civic action projects that meet the criteria for the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, a powerful recognition of their dedication and leadership.

 

For Schools:

  • Improved School Climate: Civic engagement promotes inclusivity, shared responsibility, and pride in the school community.

  • Support for Student Success: Project-based civic learning strengthens skills in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience—all tied to academic success.

  • Leadership Development: Educators observe student leaders emerging from unexpected places, often re-engaging students who were previously disconnected from school.

 

For Communities:

  • Youth-Driven Change: Communities benefit from student-led initiatives that directly address local issues, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and relevance to civic work.

  • Stronger Intergenerational Partnerships: The program bridges the gap between youth and adult community members, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.

  • Sustainable Engagement: By empowering students with civic tools and experiences early on, we create a pipeline of informed, capable, and motivated future community leaders.

Curriculum and Resources

Below are both free and fee based resources that you can use in your classrooms and clubs and you work your way through the Democracy School Program 

bottom of page