Harvard University, Department of Government

The Democratic Knowledge Project is a research and action lab located within Harvard University’s Department of Government that focuses on identifying, strengthening and disseminating the knowledge, skills, and capacities of effective citizen participation in a democracy. It is led by Professor Danielle Allen, who recently completed an eight-year study that explored effective interventions for helping young people navigate the promises and challenges of a digital landscape to be active, informed and engaged citizens. This grant supports Professor Allen and her team to apply this research to civics education programs and curricula in classrooms, out-of-school programs, and online. This project aims to create a set of model teaching tools for 21^st century civics education that recognize the importance of teaching young people to be critical consumers and producers of media as part of their preparation for active citizenship.