Fostering Civic Action in Youth | Cultivating Learning

As America turns 250 in 2026, young people are writing its next chapter. Join a group of educators who apply interdisciplinary approaches to learning to engage young people in civic dialogue tied to their communities. Through a range of Smithsonian programs and resources, youth interact with historical and contemporary sources to understand their local histories while also contemplating a future that is shaped in response to present-day priorities. These programs support youth in developing stronger civic identities and encourage them to take active roles in preserving and protecting the rich histories within the communities where they live. 

We will explore case studies that model collaboration with students and action planning using historical sources, oral histories, photography, literature, art and more, to encourage youth voice as part of imagining any community's future. You'll leave with access to lesson plans, program models, toolkits, and opportunities to join the Smithsonian as an education partner. 

Program Details:
This is a Zoom webinar with automatic captioning. You’ll be able to participate using the chat and Q&A, and your camera and mic will be disabled. We’ll record and post the webinar on the Smithsonian Learning Lab’s Events page approximately 72 hours after the session ends.

For general questions, or if we can provide additional accessibility services to support your participation, please email us at learninglab@si.edu. Please make your accessibility request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least one week before the program date.

Thumbnail Image: Thumbnail for an upcoming webinar that reads “Cultivating Learning: Fostering Civic Action in Youth,” overlaid on a photograph of a student in New York City learning about the Santa Fe, NM, community through an exchange of letters written by her peers in the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program. Photo by Rachel Bruttig.