University of Massachusetts Civic Initiative

Since 2003, the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute’s Civic Initiative is dedicated to promoting democracy through education in both the U.S. and abroad. Each year, we bring a select group of students, scholars and professionals from around the world to the UMass Amherst campus for courses that examine modern politics and public policy. Programs are designed for attendees to improve their leadership skills, increase their subject knowledge and learn about U.S. culture. Our courses are based on engaging students through active learning, integrating classroom readings, lectures and discussions with community-based, collaborative projects that offer practical, real-life experience.