Where We Stand Today
At the start of the 2023–24 academic year, 15 college presidents from a diverse range of institutions came together to launch College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, united by the Civic Commitments. One year later, the coalition has grown to over 100 presidents and reached over 600,000 students.
The coalition is actively addressing critical societal issues, such as campus polarization following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Classrooms and auditoriums are coming alive with passionate discussions on today’s most pressing topics, where students are leaning in to ask questions, share ideas, and challenge conventional wisdom. Students from diverse political and social backgrounds are advocating for their viewpoints through productive discussions, events, and protests across campus and online platforms. This ongoing transformation is not only enhancing campus life but also paving the way for a civic revival across America.
Reaching Every Student
We know the opt-in model of engagement doesn’t work. That’s why we’re ensuring every student—not just a select few—can master the skills for productive conversations in a divided world.
By the end of the academic year 2024-2025, a cohort of member institutions will have reached every student on their campuses, equipping them with the:
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- motivation
- social support
- skill set
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necessary for engaging in civil discourse. The remaining institutions will continue to make substantial progress toward this goal.
Presidents develop programming on their campuses in alignment with their unique institutional missions, impacting all areas of campus life—from lecture halls to dining areas to dorm rooms. By graduation, all students will have these real-world skills to use effectively in their personal lives, careers, and communities.
Igniting a Civic Revival Across America
The future of our democracy depends on a healthy civil society rooted in a foundation of understanding, trust, and a commitment to remaining “in community”—learning, working, and living together. We need citizens who are ready to tackle difficult conversations to collaborate and solve complex issues.
We’re not just equipping young people to excel in today’s polarized country – we’re working to promote a more unified and connected country.
Help us ignite a civil revival across America.