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 the way civic engagement is defined and sustained 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.
WHAT IS CIVIC ENGAGEMENT?
Civic Engagement happens any time someone takes action to better their community and encourages others to do it, too.
Learn more about the basics of Civic Engagement and how you can engage in your community as a civic leader!
This film was produced by the Presidential Precinct with support from the University of Virginia's Bicentennial. A special thanks to Next Day Animations.
The Presidential Precinct is a partner of The Civic Success Project
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
Our team is made up of dedicated young leaders from across the country. Each person brings their own background, skills, and story to the work we do. Together, we make up a diverse and dynamic group excited to grow and learn alongside each other.
PARTNERS
COALITIONS
AS FEATURED IN…
October 29, 2025
With election day coming up next week, we need every young person to get engaged in our civic discourse, to care about our collective future and to share their talents and skills to make a difference. My guest today, Kayla Pilgrim from Illinois, started the Civic Success Project, an organization dedicated to transforming how young people connect with and participate in civic life - centering youth priorities and helping young people to realize their influence and make meaningful change in their communities. This is an incredibly powerful conversation for this particular moment in our democracy.
Simple Acts, Big Impact
Civic Coffee Chats - The Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement
November 3, 2025
Check out our latest installment of our video interview series, Civic Coffee Chats! This series highlights IPCE staff, researchers, and civic friends’ latest thoughts on policy passions, social trends in civic engagement and public policy, learned lessons, best practices, and hobbies. And, of course, how they take their coffee ☕️
This episode features Kayla Pilgrim. Kayla is the founder of The Civic Success Project. Kayla is also an Urban Public Policy Fellowship (UPPF) alum and graduate of UIC!
January 5, 2026
The episode features an in-depth conversation with Kayla Pilgrim, a 19-year-old founder of Civic Success about her journey in civic engagement, the motivations behind her work, and the innovative ways her organization is inspiring young people to participate in civic life. Kayla discusses the challenges and opportunities of modernizing civic engagement, the impact of social media, the barriers young people face, and the importance of sustained, meaningful involvement. The episode concludes with practical advice for young listeners looking to get involved in their communities.