In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the neglect of civics and American history education at both K-12 and university levels, a trend observed over the last sixty years. Surveys by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) indicate that graduation requirements at U.S. colleges often lack mandates for courses in American history or government, with fewer than 20% of institutions requiring such studies. This educational absence has a profound impact on future teachers, who frequently graduate without a robust understanding of the foundational principles of American democracy or the historical progress toward achieving the ideals set forth by the nation’s founders. The result is an alarming gap in civic knowledge among educators, which poses a challenge for fostering informed citizenship in their future students.
In response to this pressing need, various public universities have taken steps to address the decline in civic education. Arizona State University (ASU) has emerged as a leader in this effort with the establishment of the School for Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership in 2016. This institution serves as a crucial platform for students to engage with American governance and citizenship responsibilities through diverse viewpoints and scholarly discourse. The ASU model of civic education has inspired similar initiatives at thirteen universities across the country, indicating a shift toward more comprehensive civic engagement in higher education.
One notable example is the School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which has attracted national recognition since its inception a year ago. SCiLL offers a minor in civic life and leadership that encourages students to explore foundational ideas traced through philosophy, history, political science, and economics. The school emphasizes the importance of civil discourse and responsible citizenship, equipping students for meaningful participation in public policy discussions. Additionally, SCiLL extends its impact beyond enrolled students through initiatives like a speaker series and public discourse programs, enriching the university’s overall civic engagement landscape.
These emerging civic education institutes often operate as independent academic units within universities and benefit from state and private financial support. Leadership structures within these centers typically enable heads of departments to hire faculty whose expertise aligns with the goals of these programs. An emerging focus on graduate-level education is also evident, with many of these institutes developing master’s and doctoral programs. Moreover, they are actively involved in training K-12 social studies teachers, ensuring a ripple effect of enhanced civic education reaches younger students more broadly.
The Tennessee General Assembly has responded to the civic education movement by establishing the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, marking a significant state-level investment with a $6 million budget. This institute offers minors and certificate programs in American civics and constitutional studies, among other educational initiatives designed for both undergraduate and secondary school educators. It is already attracting motivated students dedicated to creating positive societal change while providing a balanced and nonpartisan path to achieve civic engagement.
Ohio has also made significant investments in civic education, with state lawmakers allocating $24 million for the establishment of civic education centers at five public universities. For instance, the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State University aims to cultivate a thorough understanding of American constitutional life. Similarly, the Hamilton Center at the University of Florida plans to hire numerous distinguished faculty dedicated to teaching essential aspects of American history and culture, providing young educators with meaningful opportunities. With the backing of nonprofits like the Jack Miller Center and efforts championed by ACTA, these pioneering institutes focus on a comprehensive portrayal of America’s historical narrative, celebrating both achievements and the ongoing journey toward achieving democratic ideals while fostering a renewed sense of civic identity among students.
