Civic Engagement for Students and Young Adults

Civic habits formed early tend to last a lifetime. Research in political science consistently shows that people who vote in their first eligible election are significantly more likely to continue voting in future elections. The same pattern holds for other forms of participation — attending community meetings, contacting elected officials, and volunteering for causes.

Policy decisions made today — on education funding, climate policy, student debt, housing, and healthcare — will shape your life for decades. Young people are directly affected by these decisions, and elected officials pay attention when young constituents speak up. Getting involved now means having a say in the outcomes that matter most to your generation.

Civic engagement also builds skills that are valuable in any career: public speaking, teamwork, research, persuasive writing, and project management. Whether or not you pursue a career in government, these skills will serve you well.

Voting is one of the most direct ways to influence government. The first step is making sure you're registered:

• Pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds: Many states allow you to pre-register to vote before you turn 18. Your registration becomes active on your 18th birthday (or when you become eligible). Check your state's rules at vote.gov.
• Register when you turn 18: If your state doesn't offer pre-registration, register as soon as you're eligible. You can register online in most states through vote.gov, at your local DMV, or at your county election office.
• College students: You can generally choose to register either at your campus address or your home address — but not both. Consider which location gives you easier access to the polls and where your vote may have the most impact on races you care about. Check our voter registration guide for step-by-step instructions.
• Know your deadlines: Registration deadlines vary by state. Some states offer same-day registration, while others require you to register weeks before an election. Plan ahead.

College campuses are natural hubs for civic engagement. There are many ways to get involved beyond just voting:

• Student government: Running for or participating in student government gives you hands-on experience with democratic processes — drafting resolutions, representing constituents, allocating budgets, and working with administrators.
• Political and advocacy clubs: Most campuses have chapters of organizations spanning the political spectrum, as well as issue-specific groups focused on the environment, civil rights, public health, and more. If your campus doesn't have a club for your interest, consider starting one.
• Voter registration drives: Organizing a voter registration drive on campus is one of the most impactful things you can do. Partner with your student government, residence life office, or campus organizations to set up registration tables before election deadlines.
• Community service and service-learning: Many colleges offer service-learning courses that combine academic study with community engagement. These programs connect classroom learning to real-world civic issues.
• Attend public meetings: City council and school board meetings are open to the public. Attending as a student shows local officials that young people are paying attention, and it gives you firsthand experience with how local government works. See our guide on organizing your neighbors for tips on collective action.

Working in government — even temporarily — gives you an inside understanding of how policy is made and how public institutions serve communities:

• Congressional internships: Members of Congress offer internships in both their Washington, D.C. offices and their district or state offices. These positions involve answering constituent calls, attending hearings, researching policy issues, and assisting staff. Apply directly through your official's or senator's official website.
• State legislature internships: Most state legislatures run internship programs during the legislative session. These opportunities let you observe the lawmaking process up close and are often less competitive than federal positions.
• Local government: City halls, county offices, and local agencies frequently seek interns and volunteers. These roles are a great way to learn how local government directly affects your community — from zoning decisions to public transit to parks and recreation.
• Federal agencies: Many federal agencies offer student internship programs. You can search for opportunities through usa.gov or the federal government's official job board at USAJOBS.
• Civic fellowships: Organizations across the country offer fellowships for young people interested in public service, policy research, and civic leadership. These programs often include mentorship, training, and a stipend. Your college's career services office or political science department can help you find programs that fit your interests.

Civic engagement isn't something you do once — it's a set of habits that grow stronger with practice. Here are ways to weave participation into your everyday life:

• Vote in every election: Federal, state, local, primary, runoff, and special elections all matter. Many consequential decisions — school board seats, local ballot measures, district attorney races — are decided in low-turnout elections where every vote carries more weight.
• Stay informed: Follow local news, read about the issues your officials are working on, and check how they vote. Our legislation tracking guide can help you stay up to date.
• Contact your officials regularly: You don't have to wait for a crisis. A brief phone call or email sharing your perspective on a pending bill takes just a few minutes and helps your official understand their constituents' priorities.
• Engage in your community: Attend neighborhood meetings, volunteer with local organizations, and get to know the people working on issues you care about. Civic engagement extends well beyond elections.
• Be a reliable source for friends and family: Share what you learn. Help friends register to vote, explain what's on the ballot, and encourage the people around you to participate. Civic engagement is contagious.