Why Civics

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Too many young people are losing faith in our country.

Surrounded by political division, distrust, and polarization, too many young people are losing confidence and now view the United States as a “democracy in trouble.”

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The best way to strengthen our democracy is to teach it.

Building young people’s faith in our country starts with teaching them how to participate in it—developing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to effectively share their ideas with others and contribute to their communities.

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When young people see they can shape our country, they believe in its future.

We need civic education that is relevant, meaningful, and engaging for each new generation. Civic education not only inspires a belief in our country, but also instills in youth a sense of belonging and a confidence to shape the world around them and work with others to solve problems together.

Civics: For the Future of U.S.

Students who experience high-quality civic education are more likely to:

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Complete college and develop employable skills
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Vote and discuss current issues at home
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Be confident in speaking publicly and communicating with elected representatives
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Volunteer and work on community issues

Inspiring a passion for civic learning so young people can shape the world around them and believe in our country’s future

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What's At Stake?

Since the earliest days of our constitutional democracy, schools (K–12 and higher education) in the United States have had a unique and essential mission to provide civic education—the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be informed and engaged participants in American civic life.

Learn About Our Strategic Vision

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Innovate Education

We empower educators with resources that build the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students need for informed civic participation.

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Inform Policy

We advance policy at the state and national levels to make civic education a priority for the health and strength of our nation.

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Inspire Engagement

We invite and engage a diverse network of learners and leaders in the movement for high-quality civic education.

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Illustrate Impact

We evaluate and share evidence-based findings that demonstrate the value and impact of civic education for our country’s future.

Invest in iCivics Today

iCivics works to ensure high-quality civic education opportunities are available for every student in the United States, preparing them for informed engagement in our nation’s self-governing society.

With your support, that vision is within our reach. Today, up to 145,000 teachers and 9 million students in all 50 states utilize iCivics’ innovative and free resources. Your tax-deductible donation helps us further our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring the practice of democracy is learned and embraced by each new generation.