C&S Launches Youth Civic Engagement Initiative

The Institute for Citizens and Scholars (C&S), a privately-funded nonprofit, has launched an initiative to empower 20 million young people (ages 14-24) in the United States to engage in public-spirited actions over the next three years. The program emphasizes small, low-barrier community outreach activities, such as contacting elected representatives or local volunteering, to build civic muscle. C&S President Rajiv Vinnakota highlights that this approach counters narratives of Generation Z's disengagement. The effort is part of broader pushes tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence's signing. Partners like YPulse and DoSomething will promote civic actions, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York funds a leadership program. A new workplace initiative with the United States Chamber of Commerce is also underway, enlisting 25 companies for a pilot program.