Dates & Locations

CivicWeek programs take place each spring at sites across the country.

Whenever and wherever you choose to participate in a CivicWeek program, you're sure to have an eye-opening, enriching experience and a lot of fun.

2012 Programs

CivicWeek: Public Health Mar 25, 2012 — Mar 31, 2012 in Chicago, IL Our nation faces a growing struggle to attend to our individual and collective health care needs. Rising health care costs burden our economy, while a host of chronic and infectious diseases threaten our quality of life. Participants explore issues of public health through visits to cutting-edge medical facilities and neighborhoods underserved by health care resources. Students consider the challenges facing families and communities and work with professionals tackling health education, disease prevention and issues of equity. They examine contemporary policy debates and learn about ways to address public health issues in our neighborhoods and our nation.

CivicWeek: Politics & Urban Development Mar 25, 2012 — Mar 31, 2012 in Washington, DC American cities are some of the greatest in the world, but beyond the bustle and bright lights are local neighborhoods struggling with some of the nation’s most intractable social problems. Participants examine poverty in urban America through the eyes of the many diverse populations affected. They meet with politicians and practitioners to explore contemporary and innovative approaches to urban development, addressing issues of housing, education, employment, health, safety and economic growth. By interacting with government and community leaders who are addressing these complex issues through public policy, students learn how to use politics as a tool for social change.

CivicWeek: Law & Criminal Justice Apr 1, 2012 — Apr 7, 2012 in Chicago, IL Apr 9, 2012 — Apr 15, 2012 in New York, NY What is the appropriate response of a just society to crime and punishment? When there are significant racial and economic disparities in arrest and conviction rates, and even death row prisoners are sometimes found to be innocent, is our legal system consistently a force for justice? Participants examine the criminal justice system in America, from law enforcement to the courts to correctional agencies. Students visit with community advocates, legal clinics, attorneys and policy experts. They explore some of the problems and work with organizations making an impact. Most importantly, they learn about ways to use law and policy to build stronger communities and advance social justice.

CivicWeek: Education Policy & School Reform Apr 1, 2012 — Apr 7, 2012 in New York, NY Education has long been the great equalizer, the key to success. But as test scores in the U.S. fall behind those of other nations and the achievement gap grows, the problems with our public school system become more apparent. Participants get a close-up look at public education in America, at its problems and a range of proposed solutions, including school funding, accountability, teacher quality, charter schools, vouchers, and the role of parents and communities. They volunteer with public school students and work alongside educators and reformers. Students analyze education policy and approaches to reform, and discover ways young people can play a role in school improvement.

next:  What to Expect