We believe that civic engagement becomes more effective when it's vibrant , fully accessible , and fundamentally youth-driven.
The landscape of youth involvement urgently needs to evolve beyond its current limitations. Our aim is to help foster this evolution, committed to co-creating innovative and compelling methods that enable young adults to direct impactful change.
THE CHALLENGE
Young adults in the United States are experiencing a crisis of civic disengagement. More than half express dissatisfaction with democracy, and about one in three have no plans to get involved at all. Research shows this disconnect is driven by a combination of underrepresentation, limited access to relevant resources, and doubt that individual actions will lead to meaningful change. While many efforts to engage youth exist, they can feel out of step with the priorities and realities of today’s youth. As a result, civic life can feel distant and uninviting. We were created to respond to these gaps and reimagine what civic engagement can look like when it’s shaped by and for young people.
OUR APPROACH
There are approximately 53.92 million people aged 18-29 living in the United States. We are building a movement that begins with young adults and is shaped by them every step of the way. At the core of our work is the belief that civic engagement should reflect the voices, values, and lived experiences of those most affected by disengagement. Our platform is open to all but especially focuses on young adults who often feel left out of traditional outreach efforts, including those not currently in college or living in areas with limited civic infrastructure. Our process is iterative, collaborative, and responsive. We aim not only to engage youth directly, but to influence how engagement is designed and delivered nationwide.
CORE VALUES
Radical Accessibility
Civic engagement should feel possible for every young person. We design tools, spaces, and experiences that meet young people where they are, especially those who feel disconnected from typical outreach.
Cultural Relevance
Engagement should feel connected to the ways young people already express themselves. We use formats and language that match their energy and help civic action feel natural and exciting.
Youth Power
We believe youth are not just future leaders but current ones, with insight, urgency, and creativity that can shape civic life today. Our work centers their voices from the start as the foundation for everything we build.
Setting an Example
Each of our initiatives is designed with intention and purpose that others can learn from. We aim to influence how youth engagement is approached across the civic space by offering youth-centered models that work.
Community Insight
We view lived experience as a vital form of knowledge that offers depth and perspective. By lifting up stories, sharing strategies, and learning from each other, we make space for a more grounded and relatable civic culture.
The Civic Success Project is a nonpartisan initiative.
We are based in the Chicagoland area, with a vision to inspire and contribute to a broader national movement.
MEET THE TEAM
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Kayla Pilgrim
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Illinois, 19
MPA Candidate at University of Illinois Springfield, BA in Political Science from University of Illinois Chicago, Youth250 Bureau Advisor, Democracy House Fellow, Illinois State Board of Education Intern
