“The Citizens Now Program has been a great addition to our school community.  CNP engages students to think critically about the state of our world and their role in it by guiding students through meaningful projects and powerful discussions.  The vibe of a CNP meeting is relaxed, joyful, and purposeful.  I see students smiling and being their authentic selves.  On the operational side, Tyler has been a phenomenal partner.  He is proactive and highly communicative.  He is an excellent listener and great thought partner who is eager to connect CNP to our larger school goals.  I couldn't be happier with the Citizens Now Program and recommend it highly to other schools.”

Principal Alexander Phillips, William Penn Elementary, January 23, 2026

Citizens Now is a 12-week after-school program conceived and implemented by the Institute to teach 5th-8th graders at Chicago’s Public Schools, the skills of citizenship and the importance of participating and working with others in our democracy. 

RESULTS:

• The first 13 students from Newton Bateman Elementary School in Irving Park graduated from the Citizens Now Program in May 2015.

• Quantitative analysis of the program pre/post-questionnaire showed positive improvements on questions testing students’ knowledge and self-reported communication with adults and peers.

• 60 additional "young citizens" graduated from Chalmers, Dvorak, DePriest and Penn Elementary Schools in North Lawndale and Austin in 2016-17. 

• 43 additional “young citizens” graduated from Chalmers, Dvorak, Johnson and Penn Elementary Schools in North Lawndale in 2017-18. 

• Post-COVID, the Institute worked with CRED program participants in Summer 2023.

• The Citizens Now Program resumed at William Penn Elementary in 2024-2025.