CIVICS

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Apr 11

Harvard CIVICS is a joint initiative between the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) and the Institute of Politics, bringing civic education to over 35 classrooms across the Cambridge and Boston Public School systems. Designed for students in 2nd through 6th grade, the program uses a dynamic, student-designed curriculum to empower young learners to explore democratic governance, current events, and their own roles as engaged citizens.

Each semester, CIVICS places passionate Harvard undergraduates into local classrooms to lead weekly lessons on civics, government, and community leadership. Both in the fall and spring, the curriculum emphasizes civic engagement and advocacy, with a focus on major social movements and their historical contexts. Students explore issues such as climate justice, gender equality, disability rights, and the civil rights movement, learning how individuals and communities can advocate for change within a democratic framework.

Beyond the classroom, CIVICS includes three expansion teams—Media, Advocacy, and External Affairs—that work to broaden the program’s impact. These teams create original content, connect CIVICS with community partners, and lead nationwide efforts to promote civic engagement and youth advocacy.

CIVICS is grounded in a committment to equity in education. The program is dedicated to reaching students from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, offering a curriculum that is not only academically rigorous but also culturally relevant and empowering. By addressing the civic education gap, Harvard CIVICS strives to inspire the next generation of informed, active participants in our democracy.

To volunteer as a CIVICS teacher, simply fill out the PBHA Common Application at the beginning of the semester and indicate your availability to teach. After submitting your application, the CIVICS Executive Board will reach out with next steps, including training and onboarding. Once you're trained, you'll be matched with a classroom and begin teaching weekly lessons for an eight-week session!

CIVICS partners with public schools in Boston and Cambridge to deliver engaging, student-led civics lessons. If you're a teacher or administrator interested in bringing CIVICS to your classroom, please reach out to us at harvardcivicsprogram@gmail.com before the start of each semester.