The crisis facing American democracy and the challenges plaguing the U.S. higher education system are two sides of the same coin. Higher education is an engine for economic mobility. Median annual earnings increase with education: Individuals who hold bachelor's degrees earn 44 percent more than those who hold associate degrees and 63 percent more than those who complete only high school. However eroding public trust, increasing inequality, and weakening civic engagement are not separate issues; they are deeply interconnected, systemic problems that affect both higher education and a range of national institutions. This white paper outlines actionable steps that colleges and universities can take to prepare students for active, informed participation in civic life. The publication offers a playbook for how faculty, staff, and administrators can work to bolster civic engagement through curriculum, on-campus programming, partnerships with community-based organizations, and creating opportunities for students to learn and practice civic and democratic behaviors through volunteer, service, and career experiences.