Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Illinois Center for Civic Education and what does it do?
The Illinois Center for Civic Education is a non-profit organization that promotes civic competence and responsibility among today’s youth by providing access to civic education programs and professional development for teachers throughout Illinois. Our programs, We the People and Project Citizen, enhances elementary, middle and high school students’ understanding of the foundations of constitutional democracy and the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
What programs do you offer?
The Illinois Center for Civic Education currently has two programs: We the People and Project Citizen. The We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Program promotes civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s upper elementary and secondary students. We the People uses interactive strategies, relevant content and the simulated congressional hearing to make teaching and learning exciting for both students and teachers. Since its inception in 1987, more than 28 million students and 75,000 educators have participated in the We the People Program. Project Citizen is a curricular program at the middle school through high school levels promoting competent and responsible participation with government at all levels. The program helps students learn how to monitor and influence public policy while developing support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy.
What schools do you serve?
The Illinois Center for Civic Education serves schools within Illinois. We have programs in school districts in the Chicago Metropolitan Area and currently expanding to serve the enter state of Illinois. You can follow the link to see school partners: We the People School Partners.
How can I volunteer?
Let’s all take a moment to think about an America with no participation. Volunteers are critical to the success of the Illinois Center for Civic Education. We need your help to ensure that civic education is a vital part of each student’s education. You can help by making a donation, becoming a sponsor, attending a fundraiser, and/or volunteering. You can visit our website at www.ilciviced.org/support.html.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. The Illinois Center for Civic Education is an Illinois non-profit organization; it is tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Once a donation is submitted through our website, the donor will receive a tax deductible letter with the information to include on your taxes.
Who should I contact for more information?
For more information, contact Jennifer Blackman, our Executive Director, via email at blackman@ilciviced.org or via phone at (872) 205-5650. You can also visit our website for more information: www.ilciviced.org.
