Criteria 3: Project

What is a civic engagement project?

A civic engagement project is a project in which a student or group of students define problems in their own communities, investigate root causes and possible solutions, develop and implement plans to address those problems, and reflect on their actions to help them develop identities as citizens with rights and responsibilities. 

You must complete at least one civic engagement project.

Evidence of civic engagement project should clearly show your work on the civic engagement project.  Project should trace your progress on the topic and include the following: 

Addresses a real-world problem or need

• Identify the real-world problem or need, including how and why you chose that topic

Investigates the root causes of the problem or need and provides evidence for the analysis of the root cause

• Informed - background research 

• Research what kind of work is already being done to address this issue

Explores possible solutions and varied responses to the problem

Explains the variety of responses you could have taken and why they decided on the project you chose.

Develops a plan of action that addresses interpersonal behavior and/or institutional policies

• Educate others about the problem

Implements plan of action

• The action plan from beginning to end 

• A project timeline and/or calendar

• Plan for data collection before, during and after the project

• Plan for evaluation of project effectiveness and/or impact

Executes project

• Gather evidence (video/images) and documentation of any final products.