#United States #Princeton #Civic Engagement #Community Solutions #C&S

Institute for Citizens & Scholars Launches Ambitious Civic Engagement Initiative

On February 25, 2026, the Institute for Citizens & Scholars (C&S) made a groundbreaking announcement regarding their three-year commitment to activate 20 million young individuals, aged 14 to 24, to emerge as impactful civic problem-solvers by 2029. As they embark on this journey, C&S aims to enhance the civic capabilities of today's youth, equipping them to effectively address community challenges.

Investing in the Future

This commitment comes alongside an impressive $25 million in philanthropic investments, which serve to bolster existing programs that have already proven successful in promoting civic engagement. Rajiv Vinnakota, president of C&S, emphasized the organization’s belief that a robust nation relies on citizens who can confront challenges unitedly, asserting that youth today are exceptionally capable of stepping into leadership roles.

Signature Initiative and Broadening Scope

At the heart of this initiative lies C&S's signature campaign, College Presidents for Civic Preparedness. This program serves as the cornerstone for scaling up other initiatives focused on empowering young people through educational institutions and workplaces across the nation. The organization is set to foster new partnerships, amplifying its reach into various communities by providing vital resources and support.

C&S has aligned itself with leading philanthropic organizations, such as the Carnegie Corporation of New York, to enhance its current efforts. Collaborations with national organizations like DoSomething and YPulse will facilitate a broader impact nationwide, tackling the educational and social divides within communities.

Essential Civic Skills

Over the next three years, C&S plans to focus on imparting three core civic skills that are critical for today’s youth:
1. Having Productive Conversations - Encouraging active listening, respect, and a sense of curiosity during discussions.
2. Using Credible Information - Empowering young people to discern and apply trustworthy sources effectively.
3. Collaborating to Create Solutions - Fostering teamwork to identify and tackle shared challenges.

By working actively on college campuses, C&S will engage with numerous college leaders to cultivate a culture where civic skills can be honed and practiced every day. Furthermore, initiatives in local communities across all 50 states aim to coach and financially support young leaders, enabling them to implement creative civic solutions tailored to their unique contexts.

Engaging with the Workforce

Additionally, C&S will collaborate with 25 private-sector companies to enhance civic understanding and participation within workplaces. This focus on inclusivity and teamwork not only benefits businesses but also plays a significant role in nurturing a sense of communal responsibility among young professionals.

Sian Leah Beilock, president of Dartmouth, highlighted the necessity of guiding young leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and preparation to participate constructively in democratic processes as part of this initiative.

A New Identity for a New Mission

The announcement also heralds a new brand and organizational identity for C&S, reinforcing its dedication to fostering a culture of active participation and collective responsibility. With an aim to establish a new national participation platform by summer 2026, the organization is poised to invite like-minded partners to join in building a civic landscape that resonates with younger generations.

Baratunde Thurston, an Emmy-nominated host and advocate of civic engagement, echoed this sentiment, stating that treating youth as active problem-solvers rather than challenges allows them to contribute meaningfully to democracy and society.

Conclusion

With these ambitious endeavors, C&S is determined to expand its programming and cultivate significant opportunities for youth engagement. Their approach not only equips young individuals with essential civic abilities but also redefines their role as catalysts for community improvement and nation-building.

For more on C&S and their commitments to fostering young civic leaders, please visit C&S Website.