ExperientialLearning for the Common Good
New Civic K12 is a vision for education that prepares students not just for individual success, but for active citizenship and hands-on work to improve the world around them.
Our Vision
Moving from “Me to We”
In a world of division and rapid change, New Civic K12 is fostering a generation of engaged, empathetic, and collaborative citizens. We're pushing students to move beyond a traditional, individualistic mindset, and instead focus on community, service, and the greater good.
Our Approach
Making learning relevant, impactful, and connected to others
New Civic K12 gets students out of textbooks and into the real world. We’re equipping them to roll up their sleeves and solve problems, not just read about them.
Our program weaves civic engagement directly into the curriculum, tackling complex social topics. Students first conduct deep research and connect with community organizations for actions that turn abstract concepts into tangible realities. Making a difference in those communities builds students’ sense of purpose and being, empowering them to become active agents of change.
It's one thing to understand a problem intellectually; it's another to roll up your sleeves and try to solve it — at every age and stage.
We do this by doubling down on the uniquely human skills that will future-proof our students’ futures: empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking.
We do this by doubling down on the uniquely human skills that will future-proof our students’ futures:
collaboration, critical thinking, and empathy.
Integrate civic action and service learning into the academic curriculum, moving away from solely theoretical learning towards real-world application.
Create a non-partisan space for students of all viewpoints to learn from each other and collaborate, bridging divides and fostering understanding across ideological differences.
Equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in society, addressing issues like polarization, lack of purpose, and loneliness in education.
Partners
Engagement in action
11th Grade English Seminar Students at McDonogh School Research, Serve, and Innovate with Local Nonprofits
Students in Cynthia Cox's 11th grade Nonfiction Studies in Food and Culture class partnered with the Baltimore Hunger Project to develop innovative proposals addressing the organization's needs. After extensive research, including interviews with the nonprofit's leader, the student groups crafted creative solutions that were showcased through compelling pitches.
Our student presenters received valuable feedback from nonprofit executive directors as they pitched their solutions to real-world challenges faced by the Rockrose Food Justice Project and Baltimore Hunger Project, with whom they have been working throughout the semester.
Engagement in action
Greatest Good McDonogh Started with Fourth Graders
Greatest Good McDonogh launched in 2019 with a fourth grade program in partnership with The Giving Square. Students learn about empathy, research local kid-serving nonprofits, and allocate $1,000 to the nonprofit that they choose. The year-end celebrations end in a joyous cry of “I am a philanthropist!”
McDonogh and The Giving Square have expanded the program to include Kindergarten through 6th graders. This programming has transformed the experiences of teachers and even students, some of whom have started asking for their birthday presents to be donations to their new favorite nonprofits.
Join Us
New Civic K12 works with schools interested in implementing civic engagement programs and those already deeply involved in civic action initiatives. We are building a community of practice that connects educators across institutions, allowing us to share resources, scale successes, and amplify impact.
We're fully committed to the long game, thinking systemically, and providing the kind of multi-year support needed to drive lasting change.
Gain access to a community of like-minded institutions engaged in civic action, fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices.
New Civic K12 provides resources, coaching, and funding to help schools develop and implement their civic engagement programs.
The program fosters a culture of engagement, purpose, and community within schools, positively impacting students, faculty, and the broader school community.
Join us in moving from “Me to We,” and in shaping a future where service to others is central to the American ideal and the functioning of society.
New Civic is a call to action to catalyze discussion and foster the growth of programs that integrate service and purpose into the mission, program, and operations of schools and organizations.