This section provides information about different organizations, programs and curriculum used in increasing California youth civic education and engagement experiences.

Examples of Additional Programs in California:

Action Civics. The Action Civics Initiative includes three main components designed to support participating schools in engaging students in civics content and action civics projects: (1) Development of an Action Civics Learning Framework; (2) Provision of high-quality, sustained professional development opportunities; and (3) Development of regional and community partnerships. See What is Action Civics? (video)

Civic Learning Awardees. The Civic Learning Award celebrates public schools’ efforts to engage students in civic learning. The award program also identifies models that can be replicated in other schools. Co-sponsored by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, award winners are announced in February.

Y-PLAN. Youth – Plan, Learn, Act, Now (Y-PLAN) is an award-winning educational strategy that empowers young people to tackle real-world problems in their communities through project-based civic learning experiences.

PRO: People Reaching Out. PRO Youth & Families partners with schools, community organizations, and local governments to provide young people with an authentic opportunity to work alongside community leaders and learn how to make change from the ground up. Youth are inspired to stand up, speak out for change, and gain first-hand experience in community and government settings, building networks with local leaders, cultivating optimism, hope and a service orientation to life.