
Learn About CED

About Civically Engaged Districts
Civically Engaged Districts are nurturing spaces for youth voice and engagement.
In Civically Engaged Districts, inquiry, interaction and the exchange of ideas create an environment in which all perspectives are heard and valued.
Civic action research is the catalyst, bringing young people into contact with all parts of the school community as they conduct, share and act upon their research.
Youth researchers learn from and about people from across the school community, going beyond the classroom and familiar peer groups. They share their findings with peers, teachers and district leaders, expanding community understandings and informing school practices.
Civic Action Research
Civic action research - closely related to youth participatory action research (YPAR) - is youth-led, classroom-based research on issues selected by and of concern to young people. Youth researchers choose a focus, conduct original research in their schools and communities, share what they've learned and take action.

Click the videos below to hear firsthand from students and educators who have been a part of Civically Engaged Districts
Meet the CED Team
PROJECT TEAM

Beth C. Rubin, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator

Leslie Calabrese, MA, BCBA
Co-Principal Investigator

Lauren Opiela, Ed.D.
Project Coordinator

Hannah Batren
Project Administrator

Discover the CED Impact
YPAR MENTORS

Laura Arredondo, Ed.D.
Mentor

Carlo Austria
Mentor

Dr. Tristian Cox
Mentor

Brandi Gustafson, M.A.
Mentor

Luma Hasan, M.Ed.
Mentor

Dr. Marnie McKoy
Mentor

Orion Nolan, M.A.
Mentor

Rachel Redden
Mentor
GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTS

Maya Berrol-Young
Graduate Student Assistant

Jay Brown
Graduate Student Assistant

Menn Chaiyarat
Graduate Student Assistant

Julio Intriago-Izquierdo
Graduate Student Assistant

Jas Leiser
Graduate Student Assistant

Noa Ovadia
Graduate Student Assistant
PROJECT ADVISORS

Nora E. Hyland, Ph.D.
Project Advisor

Jessica Hunsdon
Project Advisor