Program
Project Citizen is an interdisciplinary curricular program for middle, secondary, and post-secondary students, youth organizations, and adult groups that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government. The program helps participants learn how to monitor and influence public policy. In the process, they develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy.
Goals of the Program
To develop in students active citizenship and governance by
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Developing an Understanding of the Importance of Citizen Participation
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Providing the Necessary Knowledge and Skills for Effective Citizenship for all
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Providing Practical Experience Designed to Foster a Sense of Competence and Efficacy
History of Project Citizen
Project Citizen, an interdisciplinary curricular program for middle, secondary, and post-secondary students, youth organizations, and adult groups that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government began in 1993.
Since its inception it has partnered with two major organizations, among others:
- The National Conference of State Legislatures
From 1994 - 2010, the Center for Civic Education (the Center) enjoyed a partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) with the Project Citizen program. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. Their goal to help inform the American citizenry about the role of the state legislatures, what legislatures do, and how citizens can work with their state officials on policy issues is reflected in the Project Citizen curriculum. - Families in Schools
Families in Schools is an organization that involves parents and communities in their children's education to achieve lifelong success. In partnership with the Center for Civic Education and with input from Project Citizen teachers, students and parents, Families in Schools developed the Project Citizen Parent Supplement to increase parental support for local Project Citizen programs.
