Overview

Generation Citizen is a nonprofit that strengthens civics education in U.S. public and charter middle and high schools. It runs an Action Civics program, a semester-long, project-based curriculum where students identify local problems, research root causes, and design and carry out action plans that involve real engagement with local government and community leaders. The program is supported by curriculum materials, teacher professional development, and trained college volunteers called Democracy Coaches who mentor students. Revenue comes from grants, donations, and school partnership fees scaled by ability to pay, with additional funding through foundations and advocacy work to secure public support for civics education. The organization targets students in low-income communities to close the civic engagement gap and aims to equip youth with civic knowledge, skills, and confidence to effect change in their communities.