Complete College America (CCA), a nonprofit dedicated to improving postsecondary attainment in the U.S., released a white paper this week addressing the critical role of higher education in renewing American democracy. The report, titled “Complete College, America: Harnessing the Power of Higher Education to Renew American Democracy,” outlines actionable strategies for colleges to prioritize civic engagement and education across their programs.
In the wake of a contentious presidential election — which could have a significant impact on the future of higher education — the report highlights the erosion of public trust, widening inequality, and growing political polarization. These interconnected challenges, it argues, undermine both democracy and academia.
“Declining public trust in our institutions, growing inequality, and increasing political polarization are not separate, but deeply intertwined issues that impact both higher education and our democracy,” Yolanda Watson Spiva, PhD, president of CCA, said in a press release.
Research cited in the paper shows that college graduates are significantly more likely to vote and volunteer, yet access to civic education remains limited for low-income and minority students. To address this gap, the publication provides a “playbook” for enhancing civic engagement through curriculum design, campus programs, partnerships with community organizations, and experiential learning opportunities.
Key recommendations include teaching skills like problem-solving, ethical reasoning, and bridge-building as part of all majors. The report also emphasizes aligning civic education with career preparation through internships, community projects, and service experiences that connect academic learning with societal challenges.
Charles Ansell, CCA’s vice president for research, policy, and advocacy, stressed the importance of embedding civic education throughout the college experience. “Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to participate in democracy isn’t just a benefit of higher education; it’s a core responsibility,” he said.
The white paper also calls for addressing systemic inequities in higher education by investing in public institutions, rethinking admissions practices, and ensuring robust support for underserved students. Collaborative input from the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Coalition reinforces the report’s vision of fostering civic awareness and democratic engagement as essential components of higher education.
