Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement

Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement is a nonpartisan research center focused on youth civic engagement in the United States. Housed at Tufts University's Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, it conducts and synthesizes research to understand and strengthen the political participation of young people. Its work informs policymakers, educators, and journalists on issues ranging from voting patterns to community service.

Overview

Founded in 2001, the center is dedicated to expanding the study of youth participation in democracy and civil society. Its research agenda examines disparities in engagement across different demographics, including race, ethnicity, and educational attainment. The center's data and analysis are frequently cited by major news outlets like The New York Times and National Public Radio, as well as by policymakers in Congress and the White House. It operates as a core initiative within the broader mission of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life to promote active citizenship.

Research and Publications

The center produces a wide array of scholarly reports, fact sheets, and data tools that analyze youth civic and political participation. Seminal publications have detailed trends in youth voting in elections such as the 2008, 2016, and 2020 presidential contests. Its research often explores the influence of educational institutions, state-level election laws like those in Florida or Texas, and the impact of social movements like Black Lives Matter. Key data products include comprehensive election pre- and post-election analyses and the ongoing Youth Electoral Significance Index.

Key Initiatives and Programs

A major initiative is the Youth Voting and Civic Engagement in America project, which provides state-by-state data on youth turnout. The center also leads the Commission on Youth Voting and Civic Knowledge, which convened scholars and civic leaders to issue policy recommendations. Other significant programs include collaborative research with organizations like the National Conference on Citizenship and partnerships with Rock the Vote to translate research into practical tools for mobilizers. It frequently engages with local election officials and national entities such as the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Impact and Influence

The center's research has directly influenced policy debates and legislation concerning youth access to the democratic process. Its findings on the efficacy of preregistration laws and automatic voter registration have been used by advocates in states like California and Colorado. The organization's data is instrumental for national groups including the League of Women Voters and the Campus Vote Project. By establishing authoritative benchmarks for youth engagement, its work shapes the strategies of major philanthropic foundations like the Knight Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Organizational Structure and History

The center is an integral part of Tufts University, operating under the auspices of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. Its founding director was Peter Levine, a prominent scholar of civic engagement. The center's staff includes leading researchers who often present testimony before committees in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout its history, it has secured funding from major sources such as the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Spencer Foundation, enabling its growth into the nation's premier research hub on youth civic participation.

Category:Research institutes in the United States Category:Tufts University Category:Civic organizations based in Massachusetts Category:Organizations established in 2001