Enhancing Civics Education in Community Colleges: A Report from the Annenberg Public Policy Center
Introduction
While most initiatives focus on primary and secondary schools, a new report from the Annenberg Public Policy Center sheds light on the vital civic mission of community colleges. The study explores the current state of civics education in these institutions across the United States, surveying opportunities for enhancement and expansion.
Image: Teacher in a classroom lecturing community college students (iStock/silverkblack)
The Importance of Community Colleges in Civic Education
Community colleges play a significant role in shaping the civic knowledge and engagement of young adults. With nearly half of all college students receiving their postsecondary education from these institutions, it is crucial to understand how higher education advances civic learning and community engagement.
Key Findings
- 72% of respondents indicate that their community college offers courses across the curriculum that include civic learning.
- Only 18% say these courses are specifically designated as “civics learning”.
- Just a quarter of respondents say U.S. history is required, and fewer say students are required to take courses like American government and politics, the U.S. Constitution, or understanding civic institutions.
- Nearly all of the respondents say their community college offers community-based engagement experiences (such as service learning, internships, community-based research, and clinical fieldwork) within the curriculum.
Enhancing Civics Education in Community Colleges
The report highlights opportunities for strengthening and broadening civics education offerings within community colleges. This includes:
- Designating specific courses as “civics learning” to emphasize their importance.
- Requiring students to take foundational courses like U.S. history, American government, and understanding civic institutions.
- Expanding community-based engagement experiences to provide more hands-on opportunities for civic learning.
The Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics: A Champion of Civic Education
The Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics at the Annenberg Public Policy Center is dedicated to advancing civics education and community engagement. The institute's director, R. Lance Holbert, emphasizes that “civics needs to be a core focus of all academic institutions.” This report reveals how community colleges are playing their part in developing a knowledgeable, engaged citizenry.
Conclusion
The Community College and Civics Report offers valuable insights into the current state of civics education in community colleges. By examining opportunities for enhancement and expansion, this report provides a roadmap for strengthening civic learning and engagement within these institutions.