Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement

Higher education plays an essential role in preparing young people for engaged citizenship. A Crucible Moment ignited a national conversation about the ways in which colleges and universities might embrace and renew civic learning. Civic learning and democratic engagement (CLDE) has emerged as a subfield in student affairs and higher education. Many colleges and universities have developed robust CLDE initiatives. Increasingly, students arrive on campus with limited civic knowledge. Institutions of higher education should emphasize foundational civic learning and inquiry through courses, programs, and project-based learning. Increasingly, Americans are deeply divided on issues of public importance. Colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to create meaningful opportunities to explore, deliberate, discuss, and address public issues.