Higher education “can and must renew American democracy.” In fact, the two are linked in more ways than you might think.
Higher education plays a critical role in civic engagement and safeguarding democracy, a new white paper from Complete College America suggests. It can be achieved in three ways:
- Making sure more students graduate
- Colleges should prioritize civic engagement and democratic learning across all areas of study
- Ensuring student success personnel play a critical role in anchoring both student success and Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement (CLDE) principles in every student’s personal experience
“Far too many students are currently missing out on the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed for informed and effective participation in civic life,” the report reads. For instance, students from traditionally under-resourced communities are least likely to engage in civic learning.
The report also contends that higher education is an “engine” for economic mobility as one’s median annual earnings increase with levels of education. For instance, individuals who earn bachelor’s degrees earn 44% more than those who hold associate degrees and 63% more than those who have no postsecondary education, according to research cited in the whitepaper.
Higher education offers hope that civil learning remains a priority, rather than an option. To fulfill higher ed’s potential as an engine of democracy, the coalition has issued a new framework for college civic learning and engagement. It emphasizes essential skills and experiences increasingly demanded by employers, such as:
- Productive engagement with diverse views and experiences
- Evidence-based reasoning and problem solving
- Connecting learning to real-world contexts and challenges
- Cultivating ethical judgment and a sense of civic responsibility
“By integrating civic inquiry with students’ career preparation, higher education can cultivate leaders who understand the deep connections between the health of the U.S. economy and the health of its democracy,” the white paper reads.
More from UB: Trade schools: Why they’re grabbing a bigger share of enrollment
The researchers recommend that higher ed leaders address the inequities that bar students from participating in civic education. Here are their suggestions:
- Stakeholders must invest in public colleges and universities in ways that recognize that true access to completion should include attending college exclusively full time.
- Rethink admissions policies that prioritize privilege over potential.
- Ensure every student has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
- Give students access to civic learning and engagement so they are prepared to participate in the U.S. economy and democracy.
- Embrace a vision of education that is holistic, experiential and grounded in today’s real-world challenges.
