About CalCenter
The California Center for Civic Participation is a non-profit civic education organization,
engaging young people, aged 13-26, to empower themselves and their community. We believe that youth hold so much untapped power to change their world and we exist to expose and nurture that power.
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We believe that: Youth are a resource to nurture.
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Through our programs, hundreds of young people across the state have become active players in the public
policies affecting their communities. In addition to making informed decisions on today’s issues, youth gain the skills, tools and resources to thoughtfully assess the questions of tomorrow. Our time-tested and holistic approach to learning gives youth a clear pathway for how to think about the issues, but not what to think. We make learning
about government fun, accessible and relatable. Young people leave our programs more motivated,
better informed and ready to take meaningful civic action in their everyday lives.
Since 1981, we have supported young people in learning about, responding to, and acting in the political process.
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For over 40 years, young people have left our programs feeling supported and prepared to tackle the problems of today and the questions of tomorrow.
CalCenter staff and directors support youth as they identify and tackle challenges in their communities.​
We are passionate about youth civic engagement and are committed to equity and justice.
Learn more about our team on the Staff & Board page.
Thank you to an amazing group of funders who support and grow our work to engage youth in our democracy.