Center for American Civics
Civic knowledge for every classroom and community.
The Center for American Civics at Arizona State University provides nonpartisan civic education, free classroom resources, educator professional development, student programs, and opportunities for public engagement.
Start Here
Find the resources made for you
Whether you are teaching civics, studying American government, or looking for ways to participate in your community, the Center can help you find a place to begin.
Teachers
Find free curriculum, primary sources, podcasts, professional development, workshop materials, and classroom-ready lessons.
Explore educator resourcesStudents and Families
Explore the Civic Leadership Institute, study guides, videos, primary sources, and opportunities for civic learning.
Explore student opportunitiesCommunity
Discover public programs, podcasts, veteran classroom visits, civic resources, events, and ways to support civic education.
Explore community programsFeatured Resources
Bring American civics to life
Start with one of the Center's free resources for classrooms, professional learning, independent study, or community conversation.
Civic Literacy Curriculum
Explore historical background, edited primary sources, discussion prompts, exercises, worksheets, videos, and lessons for educators and learners.
Explore the curriculumCivics in a Year
Build civic knowledge through short conversations about American government, constitutional principles, history, rights, and public participation.
Listen to the podcastArizona Government and History
Help students explore Arizona's history, constitutional system, state government, institutions, and civic identity.
Explore Arizona lessonsProfessional Development
Learn with ASU faculty, experienced teachers, and civic education partners through content-rich, inquiry-centered workshops.
View educator workshopsAmerica 250
Study the ideas behind independence, the Declaration's argument, and its influence on later debates about liberty and equality.
Explore America 250Arizona Constitution Project
Access materials that explain Arizona federalism, the state constitution, constitutional history, and Arizona government.
Explore the projectFeatured Initiative
The Declaration at 250
In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Explore the documents, ideas, and debates that shaped independence and continue to influence American civic life.
The America 250 collection brings together a virtual reader, Civic Literacy Curriculum connections, companion podcast episodes, essential questions, and classroom applications.
Professional Development
Content-rich learning built for educators
Learn from ASU faculty, experienced classroom teachers, and civic education partners through workshops centered on primary sources, constitutional knowledge, historical inquiry, and civil dialogue.
Arizona schools and districts can also request an in-person professional development workshop at no cost.
Our Impact
Supporting civic learning at every level
The Center connects university scholarship, classroom experience, public resources, and community partnerships to strengthen civic education.
Primary sources, activities, background readings, and discussion prompts.
Short conversations designed to make civic knowledge accessible.
Professional development and classroom resources across grade levels.
Statewide and national collaborations supporting civic education.
Signature Programs
Learning through study, dialogue, and experience
The Center creates opportunities for students, teachers, veterans, and community members to participate in American civic life.
Civic Leadership Institute
A free, in-person summer program at ASU for high school students interested in American civics, government, history, and community leadership.
Explore the Civic Leadership InstituteVeterans Inspiring Patriotism
Connect students with military veterans who share experiences and lessons about service, citizenship, history, constitutional government, and military life.
Request a veteran visitCivic Classics Collection
Explore foundational works in political philosophy, American history, constitutionalism, leadership, citizenship, and civic life through a curated virtual guide.
Explore the virtual guideLatest from the Center
Upcoming opportunities and new resources
Find the next educator event, student opportunity, podcast collection, or classroom resource.
American Institutions I and II
Chandler Innovation Center · Professional development for Arizona K-12 educators
View event detailsAmerican History Educator Workshop
Lake Havasu City · The Founding, Civil War, and Progressive Era
View event detailsCivic Leadership Institute
ASU Tempe · A free high school program focused on the First Amendment
Explore the 2027 InstituteOur Mission
Advancing civic education and constitutional understanding
The Center for American Civics is a nonpartisan outreach center within Arizona State University's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.
The Center supports K-12 students' knowledge of American civics and civil discourse while partnering with state and national civic education efforts to cultivate an enduring understanding of American constitutional principles and institutions.