The story of America is the story of the struggle to expand human freedom.

A Shockoe Institute Initiative

Civic Capital
Initiative

To equip young people with the knowledge and tools to help repair our public square and invest in the American project.

Explore the initiative
People participating in a Shockoe Institute educational gathering

The Problem

Young Americans are entering adulthood with declining confidence in civic institutions and lower economic expectations.

13%

Only 13% of young Americans say the country is headed in the right direction.

29%

Only 29% of young Americans expect to be better off financially than their parents.

Down from 38% in 2021, reflecting a sharp decline in economic optimism among young adults.

Our Approach

Before and beyond the voting booth.

Create programs and other opportunities to help young people develop the civic and financial skills needed to activate their citizenship before and beyond the voting booth.

01 / DEVELOP

Civic skills

02 / DEVELOP

Financial skills

03 / ACTIVATE

Citizenship