NC Advancing Civic Engagement

North Carolina Advancing Civic Engagement (NC ACE) is an interdisciplinary initiative of NC State University’s College of Education dedicated to advancing civic thought and American history through research, programming, and engagement with schools and communities. As one of four official Interdisciplinary Research Hubs established under the college’s 2023–2030 Strategic Plan, NC ACE brings together educators, students, faculty, public officials, community organizations, and higher education institutions to collaboratively explore and strengthen civic learning and participation.

NC ACE is grounded in the belief that civic education should be multigenerational, lifelong, and lifewide—occurring not only in schools but across communities, throughout a person’s life, and in multiple spaces of public learning and action. Grounded in the study of primary documents and the American political tradition, our work includes professional development for educators, public events like Dining with Democracy, and sustained partnerships with schools and communities to encourage engagement with foundational ideas, texts, and institutions of American constitutional government.

On April 15th, we launched NC ACE with A Day of Civic Learning. This engaging day was filled with in-depth panels, interactive discussions, and collaborative idea generation, scholars, educators, youth-serving professionals, public administrators, and community leaders who:

• Were introduced to research and innovative programs at North Carolina State University that are advancing civic learning.
• Explored the diverse and impactful work being done across North Carolina by youth organizations, community groups, educators, and more.
• Forged partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration and expand the reach of your efforts.
• Gained fresh perspectives on and innovative approaches to civic learning.