Colleges Are Stepping Up: New Snapshot Shows Rising Investment in Civic Preparedness

A new snapshot from College Presidents for Civic Preparedness—a national coalition of more than 100 college leaders convened by C&S—shows growing investment in campus-wide civic development. College presidents are increasing their commitment to building an active civic culture, embedding this work more deeply across classrooms, residence halls, student life, and community partnerships.

Even with a challenging national backdrop, many leaders report improving climates for civil discourse. They also point to the same forces shaping students’ civic outlooks: political polarization, mental health challenges, social media, and economic pressure. Together, these trends reinforce the need for coordinated efforts that help students practice civic skills both inside and outside the classroom.

This snapshot reflects responses from 55 colleges in the coalition, representing campuses of all sizes, missions, and regions across the country.

Top Findings

1. Colleges are increasing their investment—significantly.
85% of campuses increased their investment in civic preparedness this year:
• 61% increased somewhat
• 24% increased substantially
• 15% stayed the same
• 0% reported a decrease

2. Civic efforts reach faculty and students most frequently.
Civic preparedness is not contained to one department. Engagement includes:
• 91% Students
• 89% Faculty
• 47% Staff
• 46% Administration

3. Programming touches every part of campus life.
Campuses are weaving civic learning across academic and co-curricular spaces:
• 76% Campuswide events
• 71% Classroom-based co-curricular activities
• 53% Academic courses/curricular innovation
• 40% Residence life
• 36% Off-campus community partnerships

4. Civil discourse climates are holding steady—or improving.
Despite national tensions, campuses report encouraging trends:
• 46% say their climate is more positive
• 50% say it’s about the same
• Only 4% report a decline

5. The national political climate is the top influence on students.
90% of presidents cited national politics as the most powerful force shaping students’ civic outlooks—outpacing mental health, social media, safety concerns, and economic pressures.

The Path Forward

The snapshot sends a clear message: campuses that make civic preparedness a shared priority across faculty, staff, residence life, and the academic curriculum are seeing stronger climates for dialogue and deeper student engagement.

For schools ready to deepen this work, College Presidents for Civic Preparedness offers a place to learn and lead alongside peers. By joining this coalition of 100+ campuses, presidents, faculty, and administrators gain access to shared tools, practical strategies, and a national community committed to strengthening civil discourse and embedding civic skills across the student experience.