Podcast Recap: Advancing Civil Discourse on Campus
In a recent episode of The Key, the Inside Higher Ed podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with editor-in-chief Sara Custer about the renewed focus on civil discourse and civic development in higher education. Our conversation centered on how college leaders—especially those in our College Presidents for Civic Preparedness coalition—are deepening their investment in productive conversations and civic skill-building. […]
Spring 2025 Higher Education Media Fellows
The Institute for Citizens & Scholars is pleased to announce its eighth class of journalists named to the Higher Education Media Fellowship, supported by ECMC Foundation. The 15 outstanding journalists represent a variety of news outlets, regions, and media. The Higher Education Media Fellowship aims to increase the number of journalists equipped with tools and networks to […]
Unscripted Campus Conversations: An Interactive Map
Across the nation, college presidents, faculty, staff, and students are engaging in meaningful discussions about the critical issues affecting our communities and country. From classrooms to auditoriums to residence halls and beyond, these campus voices ask questions, share ideas, and challenge conventional wisdom. This vibrant exchange not only enriches campus life but also establishes the […]
UVA’s ‘Public Service Pathways’ is Transforming Campus Culture
Louis Nelson, University of Virginia Vice Provost for Academic Outreach Few institutions have faced the complexity of their history as directly as UVA. From the shadow of the 2017 Unite the Right rally to the complex legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the university has become a place where meaningful conversations about tough topics aren’t just necessary—they’re […]
Youth Civic Solutions Winners Make Progress
Checking in with the bold, creative young people making a difference From working with local politicians to inspiring peers through art, this year’s Youth Civic Solutions Competition winners share a common goal: engaging young people in today’s most pressing civic issues. Bolstered by the belief that youth insights and action determine our future, these young […]
Institute for Citizens & Scholars Launches “Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness”
A $2 Million Philanthropic Grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York Will Fund Program to Develop Young Civic Leaders Improving Their Communities Media Contact: communications@citizensandscholars.org Princeton, NJ (February 3, 2025) — The Institute for Citizens & Scholars has launched the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness, a national grant initiative that will award up to $7,500 […]
Free National Conference Examines Urgent Issues in Higher Education How The Liberal Arts Strengthen Democracy
Winter Park, Fla. (Jan. 2025) — Rollins College and The Institute for Citizens & Scholars will host John Dewey, 90 Years Later: How the Liberal Arts Strengthen Democracy, a national conference examining urgent issues in higher education, on February 24 and 25, 2025, at the Rollins College campus in Winter Park. There is no fee to attend this two-day event. […]
5 Minutes with Faculty Institute Leaders: How Civil Discourse Shapes a Democratic Society
Janett Cordovés , Senior Program Director, College Presidents Consortium The College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Faculty Institute helps interdisciplinary educators across the country gain the skills and confidence to redesign or create new courses that promote dialogue across difference and become champions of this work on their campuses. What does this work mean for our democracy, the […]
The Fulcrum Democracy Forum Interviews Audra Watson, Chief of Youth Civic Programs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNF6cUOGe70Audra Watson , Chief of Youth Civic Programs Audra Watson was interviewed for The Fulcrum’s Democracy Forum series in conversation with Hugo Balta, Executive Editor. She discusses Citizens & Scholars Youth Civic Solutions Competition and our other youth-facing initiatives that are empowering young people to become civic problem solvers in their communities. Read the full article here.
SUNY Announces Civic Discourse Requirement in Gen Ed Curriculum
The State University of New York (SUNY) announced changes to its undergraduate general education curriculum, starting with students entering in Fall 2026. The updates, approved by the SUNY Board of Trustees, include adding a civic discourse component to the core requirements and revising the existing information literacy competency. Raj Vinnakota, president of Citizens & Scholars, […]