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. Since then, we’ve partnered with over 100 college presidents, as well as dozens of faculty and staff, reaching more than 800,000 students.
The coalition is helping campuses create environments where students learn to engage across deep divides. In classrooms, residence halls, and public forums, students are leaning in to ask hard questions, share ideas, and challenge conventional wisdom. These experiences are shaping a generation of graduates equipped to think critically, speak responsibly, and lead with integrity. What's unfolding on these campuses is not only enriching student 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.
Real Voices, Navigating Divides
"Unscripted Campus Conversations," an interactive map highlighting real stories of individuals navigating divides and discovering common ground in our polarized society.
Featuring contributions from students, faculty, administrators, and college presidents these stories showcase a wide range of perspectives that reflect the richness of these discussions. The project features initiatives from a percentage of the institutions involved in College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, though we know many more efforts are underway.
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 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 a divided moment—we’re working to promote a more unified and connected country.
Help us ignite a civil revival across America.