This paper outlines a novel model of community-engaged learning: "Building Bridges, Not Walls: The Democracy and Diversity Project." Inspired by the pedagogical horizontality of Paulo Freire and the applied disciplinary approach of "service sociology," Building Bridges pursues sustainable university-community partnerships with…

Over the past decade, Illinois has emerged as a national exemplar of how state policy can drive systemic change in civics education. The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition, a pan-ideological alliance of educators, policymakers, and civic organizations, has shaped the state's civics education vision. The coalition built a scalable infrastructure of…