Invest in Civic Education:
Invest in DemocracyReady NY

Help us ensure every student is prepared and motivated to participate in civic life.

Too many students leave school without the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to navigate today’s information landscape and make responsible civic decisions. Many lack trust in democratic institutions and do not feel motivated to participate. This challenge touches every corner of the state and crosses political lines. By investing our work to improve civic education, you can help empower the next generation to participate fully and responsibly in public life.

Our Approach

DemocracyReady NY is the only nonpartisan, intergenerational, statewide coalition focused solely on ensuring every student in New York receives a high-quality civic education. We work to strengthen the policies, investments, and supports that enable schools to prepare all students for civic and democratic life. Your gift supports our work to:

  • Expand Access to High-Quality Civic Learning

    We advocate for civic learning to be a consistent part of every student’s education so all young people are prepared for participation in public life.

  • Improve Real-World Civic Readiness Opportunities

    We work with partners to strengthen programs like the Seal of Civic Readiness, helping school districts offer meaningful, hands-on civic experiences.

  • Build Strong Media, AI, and Digital Literacy

    Students need the skills to evaluate information, use AI safely, and engage responsibly online. We advance statewide investment and guidance that help districts integrate these essential competencies.

  • Advance Statewide Policy and Support Structures

    We collaborate with educators, youth, policymakers, and community partners to build durable conditions that allow civic learning to take root in all regions of the state.

Why Now

DemocracyReady NY was founded in 2018 as a project of the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University. To intensify our statewide impact, we separated from the Center in June 2025 and now operate under a fiscal sponsor as an independent coalition. As an independent group, we depend on your donations. Please help us create the conditions for high-quality civic learning to reach all students across New York State, build the future of New York’s students, and strengthen our democracy.

Click here to donate. Thank you for supporting this work!