CIRCLE in Action
We're focused on the connections between research and practice: on making sure that our work helps to clarify practical questions for educators, communities, and policymakers and has an impact on more equitable youth opportunity and engagement. We strive to ensure that our research is timely and relevant to a broad range of audiences, and we work with local and national partners on numerous campaigns and initiatives to strengthen various aspects of youth civic education and engagement. We believe collaboration is necessary for substantive change to occur and that research informed by the experiences and knowledge of youth and practitioners is most practical.
Explore what we're up to!
Updates and Announcements
Teaching for Democracy
Students should learn about voting and the political process year-round, but election years are invaluable opportunities to incorporate important lessons into young people's civic learning. We're helping educators do just that through our work with the Teaching for Democracy Alliance.
New Website!
If you've visited CIRCLE before, you've noticed by now: we have a brand new website! We're excited to upgrade our digital presence, and we'll be adding new tools and features soon. Bookmark our new page, and bear with us as we work out the kinks—or help us out by contacting us to report any issues.
#sschat on the 2020 Primaries
Join educators across the country for #sschat on February 17 at 7 p.m. EST to share resources, challenges, and experiences teaching about the 2020 primaries. The conversation will be hosted by CIRCLE, PBS NewsHour Extra, and other Teaching for Democracy Alliance partners.
Latest Research
What are we working on? Check out the most recent CIRCLE data and analysis on youth participation in civic life.
New Poll of Texans Under 40 Shows Need for Outreach, Especially Among Latinos
Half of Young Voters Back Sanders, Propel Him to New Hampshire Victory
County by County, Young People Prove Pivotal in Iowa Caucus
In the Media
There should be a vibrant, data-informed public conversation about youth civic education and engagement: what's working, what's not, and why it's important. Our research, which appears frequently in major media outlets, helps to drive that conversation.
Quoted:
By the time young people reach 18, they’ve already received many messages from many sources about whether their voice matters or is welcomed. You need to create frameworks to grow voters and engaged citizens. It’s all a civic socialization process.
—Abby Kiesa, CIRCLE Director of Impact, in Can Nonvoters Swing the 2020 Election?