A Guide for Community Action Projects
Authentic Student Civic Engagement
Independent Learning Approach
Community Action Projects is an inquiry-based student action program adapted by the Civics Learning Project from Project Citizen, which was developed by the Center for Civic Education over 30 years ago. Community Action Projects (CAPs) inspire civic engagement and foster a sense of empowerment and belonging. It is flexible in terms of content and grade level, providing meaningful application of skills for all types of learners. The independent learning approach version of this resource allows for more student autonomy and self-directed research, and policy generation. Suitable for classes with the skills to do self-driven work.
Civics Education Research Lab’s 2024 study showed doing Community Action Projects improved students’ civics content knowledge and skills, civic dispositions like election turnout, and STEM research skills!