In today’s ever-changing world, engaging young people in the democratic process is more critical than ever. Generation Citizen (GC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2010 by Brown University alum, Scott Warren, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people through community-based civics education. By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and belief that they can make a difference, GC is fostering a new generation of active and engaged citizens. Thanks to a grant from POC, this program will continue to educate and empower young people in Rhode Island to be active members in our democracy. 

Impact on Rhode Island 

GC partners with public and charter schools in Bristol-Warren, Central Falls, East Providence, Providence and Woonsocket, teaching students the civic skills and knowledge they need to be successful citizens. 

In 2023-2024 school year, GC worked in 29 schools, with 76 teachers, providing 5,000 RI students a hands-on project-based civics education. 

GC’s program involves students selecting an issue in their community, researching its causes, and developing an action plan to address it. This hands-on approach helps students understand how governments function and how they can make a difference. For example, students in Rhode Island focused on increasing mental health access for immigrant students. They advocated for a state bill requiring the Department of Education to develop and provide a mental health curriculum for schools, coordinating a letter-writing campaign and meeting with elected officials.  

According to Kristina Pires, the Executive Director of Generation Citizen, “The Papitto Opportunity Connection’s generous support has been instrumental in strengthening Rhode Island’s democracy by enabling Generation Citizen to equip over 5,000 RI students with the civic skills needed to become effective change-makers in their communities. Through this partnership, we’ve cultivated a new generation of engaged citizens across Bristol-Warren, Central Falls, East Providence, Providence, and Woonsocket who now possess both the belief they can make a difference and the practical skills to transform that belief into meaningful civic action.”  

GC’s approach is rooted in rigorous program data and research. They use student and teacher evaluations, classroom observations, and focus groups to measure their progress. Additionally, they collaborate with external institutions to conduct research studies that validate their impact.  

GC’s program involves students selecting an issue in their community, researching its root causes, and developing an action plan to address it. This hands-on approach helps students understand how governments function and how they can make a difference. For example, students in Rhode Island focused on increasing mental health access for immigrant students. They advocated for a state bill requiring the Department of Education to develop and provide a mental health curriculum for schools, coordinating a letter-writing campaign and meetings with elected officials. 

Exposure to Generation Citizen is associated with a significant increase in overall academic engagement among students. In a recent survey done by Generation Citizen of students and teachers in the program, students are more likely to participate actively in non-GC classes after completing a GC program, demonstrating a lasting impact on their learning habits. The project-based approach utilized by GC has been shown to produce substantial gains in social studies learning, with students experiencing a 63% increase in their understanding of the subject and a 23% gain in informational reading, a crucial skill for navigating the complexities of civic life. 

Beyond academic gains, Generation Citizen is fostering essential civic skills and a sense of empowerment among young people. A remarkable 93% of GC students report that they have the knowledge to create a plan to address a problem in their community. This demonstrates that GC is not just teaching students about civics but also empowering them to take action. Moreover, 92% of GC students have developed the civic skills necessary to engage effectively in democracy, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Perhaps most importantly, 81% of GC students believe that they can make a difference in their communities. This belief is the foundation of active citizenship and a thriving democracy. 

The impact of Generation Citizen extends beyond students to benefit teachers as well. Teachers who implement GC’s community-based civics curriculum gain valuable content and pedagogical competencies. They become more confident in their ability to teach civics effectively and are better equipped to engage their students in meaningful ways. As a result, 89% of teachers report increased job satisfaction from implementing GC’s approach. This is a testament to the transformative power of GC’s work, which not only empowers students but also reinvigorates educators. 

Generation Citizen is making a profound difference in the lives of young people and the health of our democracy. By providing students with the knowledge, skills, and belief that they can make a difference, GC is cultivating a generation of active and engaged citizens who are ready to shape the future.