2027 American Democracy Project Conference

Join the American Democracy Project (ADP) community in Los Angeles to explore how civic learning, student development, and the power of place prepare students to thrive in college and contribute to the communities they call home. For students, democracy is not simply something to study. It is something they experience and practice---in classrooms, residence halls, student organizations, campus dialogue, internships, public service, and community partnerships. Through these experiences, students learn to think critically, collaborate across differences, exercise voice and agency, and connect their education to the people and places around them. These opportunities matter for students and for democracy. They can strengthen belonging, purpose, relationships, and engagement while developing capacities that support persistence, career preparation, and life beyond college. For regional public universities (RPUs), the relationship between students, community, and place is especially consequential. Our institutions are not just located in communities; they are rooted in them and interdependent with them. Communities are essential partners in educating students and fulfilling our public missions. The 2027 American Democracy Project Conference brings together faculty, staff, students, campus leaders, and community partners to share ideas, research, promising approaches, and practical strategies for connecting civic and democratic learning to student success and the vitality of the regions our institutions serve. What to Expect: Educational sessions featuring campus strategies, research, assessment, and emerging approaches; Poster sessions and ADP Ignite Talks showcasing ideas and lessons from across the ADP community; Meaningful exchange with faculty, staff, students, institutional leaders, and community partners; Examples connecting civic learning to belonging, agency, persistence, career readiness, and life beyond college; Opportunities to build relationships and adapt ideas for your own campus and community; Conversations about the distinctive public purpose of RPUs.