Minnesota Center for Civic Education
Turning Civic Learning into Action
The Minnesota Humanities Center administers programs that help students build knowledge around the constitution, civics, and public policy. MHC is the state’s coordinator for Project Citizen and We the People, two civic education programs led by the national Center for Civic Education. Together, these programs provide wraparound support for educators including textbooks, free professional development, and project-based learning for K–12 classrooms.
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Questions? Contact Eden Bart |
Bring Hands-On Civic Engagement for Students to Your Classroom
Interested in using project-based learning to build constitutional knowledge, civic skills, media literacy, and meaningful opportunities for student voice and participation? Complete our interest form to learn more and stay updated on upcoming info sessions, showcases, and other opportunities.
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Online Interest Form Complete Interest Form |
Get Involved
Join us for an upcoming Project Citizen event and check back for more details on the 2027 Project Citizen Showcase.
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Online – Project Citizen Info Session
Virtual EventJoin us for a one-hour Project Citizen Info Session for educators, potential judges, and community members interested in learning how Project Citizen works and how to support student teams.
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St. Paul – Project Citizen Student Showcase
Justice & Democracy Center Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 316 North Robert Street, St. Paul, United StatesJoin us for the first annual Project Citizen Student Showcase where student teams will present their civic engagement projects and learn how youth can actively shape their communities.
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Save the Date! 2027 Project Citizen Showcase
Join us for the 2027 Project Citizen Student Showcase, where student teams from across Minnesota will share their civic engagement projects with educators, community members, and judges.
Free
Project Citizen
Grades: 6-12
Project Citizen is a project-based civic learning program that engages students in identifying real community issues, researching public policy solutions, and taking informed civic action. Working collaboratively, students apply inquiry, research, and presentation skills to connect classroom learning with real-world civic participation.
Media Literacy Extension
Grades: 4-8
Project Citizen also includes dedicated media literacy lessons that help students analyze information, evaluate sources, and understand how media shape public opinion and policy. These lessons integrate media literacy with hands-on civic inquiry, strengthening students’ ability to engage responsibly in civic life.
We the People
Grades: K-12
We the People helps students understand the U.S. Constitution, democratic principles, and the responsibilities of citizenship through inquiry, discussion, and simulated congressional hearings. Students develop constitutional knowledge, civil discourse skills, and civic reasoning as they explore enduring questions about democracy and governance.
For many years, Project Citizen and We the People were led by Learning Law and Democracy, whose leadership helped build a strong foundation for civic education. MHC is grateful for this groundwork and is excited to support the program’s next chapter and expand participation in the years ahead.
