Academics and experts in the field agree upon three indicators which best predict a student’s likelihood of future civic engagement.
Understanding of the structure of government and the processes by which government passes laws and makes policy and by which citizens can influence the political process
The abilities necessary to participate as active and responsible citizens in democracy, including the ability to think critically, problem-solve, and work collaboratively
Civic Motivation or Disposition
Desire to actively participate in the political process and take action on community issues, encompassing a sense of social responsibility, concern for the rights and welfare of others, and belief in the capacity to make a difference
Generation Citizen evaluates its impact on these indicators, and other academic effects of interest, through pre- and post-semester surveys of students, mid- and end-of-semester surveys of teachers and Democracy Coaches, and ongoing classroom observations.
In 2016-17, according to teachers:
of GC students increased in civic knowledge
- 80% 80%
of GC students increased in civic skills
- 72% 72%
of GC students increased in civic motivation
- 62% 62%
At the end of their GC semesters:
of students believed that they could make a difference in their community
of students believed that challenging injustices is important