Overview
The Civic Catalysts program supports projects where college students (i.e., Civic Catalysts) engage middle or high school students at Title 1 schools in civic learning or America 250 themed activities during the 2026-2027 school year. Eligible projects can engage Title 1 students in curricular or co-curricular (e.g., athletics, after-school clubs, student groups, etc.) settings. Successful applicants will clearly demonstrate the academic learning outcomes and civic learning outcomes for all students involved. Projects should focus on sustained engagement with the Title 1 schools rather than one-off activities. For example, Civic Catalysts should participate in at least a “pre-teach” or preparation activity, the facilitation or guidance of a central activity, and a class session to help students make meaning of their experience in the central activity.
For their participation in this project, K-12 teachers that partner with a CEA member campus, are eligible to:
- receive a $1,000 stipend when they regularly attend a monthly community of practice,
- participate in a Summer Civic Learning Academy for which they will receive a $1,000 stipend, and
- receive a fully funded immersion tour of Washington D.C.
These stipends and opportunities are provided through the CREATE Program at Ball State University.
Faculty liaisons and Civic Catalysts are eligible to receive stipends as part of the grant proposal budget for this program.
All grantees will also be invited to participate in the America 250 showcase in the Fall of 2027 hosted by Ball State.
Project Examples
- “From Issue to Action: Youth Policy Sprint” -- Civic Catalysts partner with a Title I student council/NHS/leadership group to pre-teach issue selection, stakeholder mapping, and evidence-based solutions, experience civic engagement through a City Hall visit or Youth Roundtable with decision-makers, and reflect by creating a student-authored policy pitch packet (memo + infographic + 2-minute pitch) and delivering it to an authentic audience.
- “Our Community, Our 250th" -- Civic Catalysts partner with a social studies or English class to help create short digital stories (videos, podcasts, etc.) about how their community has changed since the founding of the United States and what they hope it will look like by the 300th anniversary.
- “Schoolyard Civic Murals and Story Walk” -- Civic Catalysts partner with art of social studies students to research local civic history and create a “story walk” on school grounds that celebrates the history and aspirations of the school or community.
- “From Archives to Action” -- Civic Catalysts parter with Title 1 students to prepare for, experience, and reflect on a visit to a local historical landmark. As part of the reflection activity, Civic Catalysts lead Title 1 students in the creation of a mini-exhibit that represents how their view of local history has changed as a result of this experience.
- “Community Advocacy in Action” -- Civic Catalysts parter with Title 1 students to identify an issue facing their community. Civic Catalysts facilitate discussions between community members and Title 1 students to understand the different community views on this issue. After these discussions, Civic Catalysts lead students in the creation of buttons, posters, or patches that advocate community solutions to this issue.
- “Future Candidates” -- Civic Catalysts partner with a Government class to meet with an elected official and discuss the campaign and election process. Following the visit, Civic Catalysts and classes will create a fictional future candidate including developing a platform, media, and slogans.
- “Statistical Engagement” -- Studies show that the most effective way to improve voter participation is through face-to-face interactions. Civic Catalysts will partner with a math class to create survey questions for students to gather data about civic engagement in their community and can facilitate reflective discussions about the data.
- “Neighborhood Walking Tour” -- Civic Catalysts work with students and teachers to create a neighborhood walking tour to highlight noteworthy attractions around the school. The reflection activity can focus on what would make the neighborhood better and include contacting local elected officials about potential student lead improvements.
Applicant Qualifications
- CEA member campuses only
- Faculty, professional staff, and graduate students (with faculty or staff as a co-PI)
- Requirement to partner with a Title 1 middle or high school
Timeline
The Civic Catalysts program will run from January 1, 2026 through May 31, 2028.
- Proposal Deadlines: June 1, October 1, December 1, 2026 and March 1, 2027
- Program Start Date: Projects should not plan to use grant less than 6 weeks from the proposal deadline.
- Program End Date:Civic Catalyst engagement must occur during the 2026-2027 school year. Civic Catalysts may be asked to participate in the Summer Civic Learning Academy and America 250 showcase in Fall of 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Funding
- Up to 10 grants
- Up to $1,000 per project
- Note that funds are granted to CEA member campus (not K-12 school).
- Funding can be used to compensate Civic Catalysts, community partners, purchase project supplies, cover travel expenses, and a variety of other uses based on CEA’s terms and conditions.