Shaping the future of democracy
About Us
We’re on a mission to help young people collaborate across differences to tackle the toughest challenges our country faces.
As America approaches its 250th birthday, growing polarization threatens our national unity, democracy, and security. We can’t afford to wait—we must address this divisiveness now. To chart a peaceful path forward, we need citizens who are well-informed, productively engaged, and committed to democracy.
The Institute for Citizens & Scholars is leading the charge. We bring together leaders from all backgrounds to transform college campuses, workplaces, and communities into spaces where young people can bridge divides and solve problems. Our work with young people aged 14-24 focuses on building three critical skills:
- Engaging in difficult conversations (civil discourse)
- Finding and using reliable information (mis/disinformation)
- Collaborating across differences (problem-solving)
What We Do
We create coalitions with leaders in higher ed, workplaces, and communities who have direct access to Gen Z. We co-design programs—like convenings, Fellowships, professional development, product offerings, and advisory services—that deliver real, measurable results.
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to cultivate talent, ideas, and networks that develop young people as effective, lifelong citizens. Our vision is a strong American democracy and a flourishing civil society where all people can thrive.
Values
We are constantly learning and improving. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all. We are gracious and grateful in all that we do. We are attentive and intentional.
Our Story
Since our founding in 1945 as the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, the Institute for Citizens & Scholars has prepared new generations of citizens by opening doors to higher education, supporting visionary thinkers, scholars, and teachers, and creating thoughtful innovations in and beyond education.
Our Team
The Citizens & Scholars team brings experiences from Main Street to Wall Street and across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. With support from our board of directors, a large network of ideologically diverse partners, and our community of 27,000 Fellows, we’re developing an effective citizenry that strengthens democracy—together.
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