Research
Motivation Matters: From Student Interest to Civic Action
What do young people need to have productive conversations on campus? Dialogue skills are important, of course. So, too, are safe environments and guidance from educators.
But motivation is a powerful force of its own. When students want to use their voices, listen to others, and work through disagreement, dialogue can bridge differences, solve problems, and bring people together.
The 140+ campuses in C&S’s College Presidents for Civic Preparedness coalition are building cultures where these conversations can thrive.
Here’s how Benedict College, Claremont McKenna College, Dartmouth, James Madison University, Montclair State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Wellesley College are motivating students to take part.
"Let the students be the driver of the initiative. Listen to them. They will tell you what they’re interested in. They will tell you their passions and they’ll tell you what they want to talk about. And when you listen to them and run a program that they designed, you will pack the house.”
Mark Allman
Senior Advisor to the President Jonathan Koppell, Montclair State University
With the help of C&S's College Presidents for Civic Preparedness coalition, Montclair is taking civic participation from optional to universal.
Turning Insight Into Action
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to foster student motivation. Ultimately, it takes understanding your students, their needs, and what fires them up. There are, however, some good places for any campus to start. Check out these tips from C&S.
- Put these ideas into practice with:
- Ready-to-use strategies that help more students participate—not just the ones already showing up.
- Practical, actionable guidance organized around three clear stages.
- Adaptable strategies for every campus, regardless of size, mission, or student population.
“Our democracy needs people who are prepared not just to go to the polling place and vote, but to engage the issues, to ask questions, to have meaningful conversations.”
Jonathan Koppell
President, Montclair State University
See How Campuses are Motivating Students
Creating a Conversation of Culture
Modeling Motivation
Benedict College takes that responsibility seriously, creating a culture where students feel empowered to participate because the authority figures in their lives do, too.
Peers as Student Role Models
Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, James Madison University is creating a campus culture where students of all perspectives can engage openly.
Tapping Into Incentives
Some students feel naturally pulled to participate in dialogue-focused programming, while others need a gentle push. Wellesley’s leadership found a unique way to provide that extra motivation.
Ready to move student interest into civic action?
Join our Newsletter
Get the latest updates from C&S about new initiatives, fellowships and opportunities for young people and community leaders across the country.
