Aliyah & Teaching Beyond the Comfort Zone
As a sociologist and C&S Mellon Fellow, Aliyah Turner is no stranger to tough conversations. She’s seen how those moments shape her students. That they don’t just build understanding, they improve the work itself. Better questions, stronger thinking, and more inclusive research. She’s felt the weight of that role, too, and what it means to […]
The Civic Generation Podcast: Is October 7 Gen Z’s 9/11?
What are the defining moments that shape a generation? In this episode of The Civic Generation, George Washington University sophomore Jonah Beinart and civic leader Debi Ghate share how defining moments for their generations—9/11 and October 7—shaped how they see the world, and how those different starting points actually help them relate to each other. […]
A Generation Ready To Lead
By Rajiv Vinnakota In Olympia, Washington, a high school student named Vy Le is quietly reinventing what leadership looks like in her community. What began as a scramble to find one professional outfit for her cousin’s job interview at a Seattle women’s shelter became WhereWear, a youth-led effort that treats donations not as charity, but as care. […]
C&S Invites Gen Z Leaders: Applications Open for Next Carnegie Young Leaders Cohort
Program supports C&S efforts to make civic engagement more accessible for Gen Z PRINCETON, N.J. — March 19, 2026 — C&S announced a call for participants for the next class of the Carnegie Young Leaders program, inviting young people ages 14–24 from across the United States to turn their ideas for community change into real […]
Samantha & Food Waste Into Full Plates
“The fellowship taught me how to set smart goals, break things down into tangible tasks, and work backwards from big picture to small picture.” Samantha Sandhaus saw her classmates go hungry while perfectly good food was being tossed, so she decided to start a community fridge. When it took off, she turned it into the […]
7 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness
Princeton, NJ, February 20, 2026: A new group of seven presidents from diverse higher education institutions across the country has joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a unique coalition convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. The seven presidents joining the initiative lead a range of campuses—from those newly joining the coalition to […]
7 Presidents Join College Presidents for Civic Preparedness
Princeton, NJ, December 12, 2025: A new group of seven presidents from diverse higher education institutions across the country has joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a unique coalition convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. The seven presidents joining the initiative lead a range of campuses—from those newly joining the coalition to […]
Gen Z Civic Vibe Check: Acting Locally & Seeing Impact
Our Gen Z Civic Vibe Check survey shows that young people care about their communities and want to get involved. They just need to see how their participation matters and have the tools to solve problems. Hear what it’s like to be a young changemaker in their own words. https://vimeo.com/1140833959?fl=pl&fe=cm Young people feel a responsibility to get involved Rifa, New York9 in 10 young […]
College Presidents Sound Off: Civic Development Is Taking Center Stage on Campus
PRINCETON, NJ, DECEMBER 03, 2025 —A new snapshot from College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a national coalition of more than 100 college leaders convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, reveals a powerful surge in college leaders’ commitment to fostering an active civic culture on campuses nationwide. Key findings include: 85% of colleges in our coalition increased their […]
Gen Z Civic Vibe Check: Barriers & First Steps
Our Gen Z Civic Vibe Check survey shows that young people want to get involved in their communities. So what holds them back? Not knowing where to start or doubting that they can make a difference. Hear young people talk about these challenges. https://vimeo.com/1140617868?fl=pl&fe=cm Young people need help getting started Delnaz, OklahomaBiggest barrier = not knowing where to start (37%)Best motivator = seeing their impact (42%) https://vimeo.com/1140617834?fl=pl&fe=cm Uncertainty holds Gen […]