Grounding Civic Education in Civic Life: An Evaluation of the STRiVE Program

Abstract

Modern concerns about American democracy are revitalizing interest in civic education, often defined by education about civic virtues and knowledge. However, an emerging theoretical perspective, grounded in theories of deliberative democracy, emphasizes the need for curricular approaches centering the deeper psychological changes required for citizens to engage in the codevelopment of their society. The STRiVE program, which engages college students, is designed to align with this perspective, and this study evaluates how STRiVE creates civic outcomes for its participants. Preliminary results identify important civic self-perceptions that are altered as a function of STRiVE, including the value of vulnerability, relationships, and common humanity as a part of democratic living. These results have implications for the future of civic education.