America needs a new generation of civic problem-solvers
We’re on a mission to equip young people with essential civic skills to lead and transform a deeply divided nation.
Gen Z is ready to lead, but the places where they learn, work, and live aren’t fully equipped to help them navigate divisive issues such as economic security, climate change, global conflicts, identity, and reproductive rights.
We partner with diverse leaders in higher education, business, and philanthropy to transform colleges, workplaces, and communities into hubs for civic development. Our collaborative approach designs targeted programs that build Gen Z’s abilities to find and use reliable information, engage in difficult conversations, and forge solutions across differences to strengthen America.
We work alongside 100+ college presidents, provide professional development to faculty, convene policymakers, and have awarded Fellowships to 27,000 scholars and educators—transforming college campuses into training grounds for effective citizenship.
We’ve invested over $2 million to support hundreds of youth civic leaders with funding, mentorship, and resources—empowering them to address complex community challenges by shaping state policies, expanding access to vital services, and driving voter engagement.
In its pilot stage, we’re collaborating with the private sector to advance civic understanding and engagement, creating more inclusive and collaborative workplaces that benefit both business and democracy.
As America approaches its 250th birthday, growing polarization threatens our national unity, democracy, and security. We can’t afford to wait—we must address this divisiveness now.
To chart a peaceful path forward, we need citizens who are well-informed, productively engaged, and committed to democracy.
The Institute for Citizens & Scholars is leading the charge. We bring together leaders from all backgrounds to transform college campuses, workplaces, and communities into spaces where young people can bridge divides and solve problems.
Our work with young people aged 14-24 focuses on building three critical skills: engaging in difficult conversations, finding and using reliable information, and collaborating across differences.
We learned a lot from students about what their needs are and how to engage around community health issues in a meaningful way. This will have cascading effects on our commitment to youth voice and leadership in our school community.
Civic Spring Fellow from UChicago Charter School
New Ideas Shaping a More Perfect Union
In Preamble, Citizens & Scholars president Raj Vinnakota sits down for 15-minute conversations with diverse thought leaders—across traditional divides—on the new ideas shaping our democracy.
From Polarization to Progress: College Presidents Join Forces
Read the inaugural progress report from our College Presidents for Civic Preparedness initiative, which highlights the remarkable strides campuses have made in an exceptionally challenging year for higher education.
A first-of-its-kind national survey of 18–24-year-old Americans that sheds light on their civic knowledge, civic engagement, and commitment to democracy.
The Institute for Citizens & Scholars allows us to look at scale, consistency, and intersectionality with optimism. We are institutions of different ilks, but we share a core passion and mission and a commitment to best practices.
Joan Gabel, Chancellor, University of Pittsburgh
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