Civic education that goes beyond the ballot
Democracy isn’t just about voting. It’s about understanding power, using your voice, and building something with people who don’t always agree with you.
Through WeVote Next, we offer classroom-ready programs from kindergarten through college that give students real-world experience with government and civic participation.
Students learn to ask harder questions, listen with intention, and practice the skills of citizenship — because democracy isn’t something to prepare for someday. It’s something we build together, starting today.
Elections & Voting Curriculum
This high school-level curriculum is the core of our work. Created by a PA social studies teacher, it allows educators to pick from multiple in-depth lessons that help students understand elections. It also gives them experience preparing to vote themselves.
Educational Resources for American Democracy
C70 offers experiential learning programs that provide students with multiple opportunities to develop the skills they need for engaged citizenship. Resources are free and designed by Pennsylvania social studies and language arts teachers. Choose from our menu of programs; we’ll help you implement them in your class.
Can We Talk?
Can We Talk? is a research-driven, skills-based program that introduces students to habits that promote productive dialogue across difference, to counter polarization and division.
Democracy For Kids
We offer interactive programs for K-8 students that help them practice basic civic skills, like respectful listening, creative inquiry and thinking, and community problem-solving.
How Philly Works Lessons
C70 worked with PA Youth Vote to make our popular “How Philly Works” guide into a high school curriculum about city government.
PA Youth Mock Election
The mock election gives students hands-on experience with researching candidates, casting their vote, and a preview of results of the actual vote on Election Day.
Student-Candidate Interviews
Your class can interview candidates running for office. C70 works with you to connect with candidates or public officials from all parties. Your students supply the questions.
Local Government STAR Cards
This deck of 36 cards, each containing a discussion question about the different functions of local government, gives young people information about how it impacts their lives and makes them aware of the power of their voices.
17-Year-Old Poll Workers
Did you know that if you are 17 years old, you can get paid to serve as a poll worker at your local polling place on Election Day?
Draw the Lines PA
Every 10 years, Pennsylvania redraws its election maps for Congress and the state legislature. DTL has learning materials for high school students to draw their own political maps, using free, web-based software.
Vote That Jawn
Vote That Jawn uses the power of youth voice and connection through social media to bring 18-year-olds and other first-time voters into civic engagement.
Programs for Teachers
The Committee of Seventy also has numerous resources for educators to support civic education in classrooms and with our community partners.
Sign up for the #c70ed Civics Newsletter
Get new ideas for civics lessons and access to creative programs delivered to your inbox.
Professional development for teachers
C70 is an approved provider of Act 48 professional development for educators from the PA Department of Education. Click below to register for one of our Classroom Resources for American Democracy training sessions!
Teacher Advisory Council
Teachers: interested in joining C70’s Teacher Advisory Council? Shape policy, access curricular materials, and help expand quality civics education across Pennsylvania.
PA Civics Coalition member
We are a proud member of the PA Civics Coalition, a group of organizations that support schools throughout the Commonwealth with resources they need to teach civic education.
Evaluating C70’s youth civics programs
An independent study shows C70’s program is well-received and valuable to teachers. In 2022-2023, the Committee of Seventy partnered with ImpactED, an evaluation and training center at the University of Pennsylvania, to study the efficacy of our youth civics programming.
Programs for College Students and Faculty
WeVote for Colleges
Your campus can play a crucial role in getting voters involved. Partner with us.
C70 is here to help colleges and universities make use of their resources to help students use our BYOBallot tool, learn about the recent big changes to PA’s election law, find their polling place, learn about the offices and candidates on the ballot, and answer any questions they have.
Become a Member
When you join as a member, you’re joining a vital part of the movement to strengthen democracy and powering our mission to create a government that citizens can trust.
Join our Member Network
Enjoy Members-Only events where you can engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and stay up-to-date on our latest initiatives with a passionate community of like-minded individuals.
Gain Exclusive Access
Members gain invitations to exclusive C70 events, including policy briefings with experts and intimate discussions with government leaders.
Receive Discounts
Enjoy a 10% discount on C70 Merch, as well as 10% off tickets to our signature annual events, including Women in Public Leadership and our Anniversary event.
