Preparing all Maryland students for lifelong civic engagement

Our Mission

The Maryland Civic Education Coalition is a cross-partisan organization committed to building an inclusive coalition that brings together students, educators, experts, scholars, and community members who are committed to ensuring that all Maryland students have access to meaningful, hands-on, comprehensive civic education and service-learning opportunities.

At the heart of the Maryland Civic Education Coalition (MDCEC) is a dynamic network of individuals and organizations united by a shared passion for civic education and engagement. Here, students, educators, scholars, community leaders, and civic enthusiasts converge to strategize, advocate, exchange resources, and celebrate the transformative power of civic education across Maryland.

From Vision to Impact: The Maryland Civic Education Coalition’s Inspiring Journey

Our Inspirational Beginning:

Our story began in 2020 with visionary educational leaders and community advocates across Maryland recognizing a crucial need. This need was for a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing civic education and creating enriching service-learning opportunities for our youth. Driven by this mission, MDCEC was established under the fiscal sponsorship of Maryland Youth & The Law (MyLaw), a respected 501(c)3 organization that champions civic understanding in schools statewide.

Milestones of Collaboration and Advocacy:

Our journey has been marked by significant milestones. In 2021, we launched the inaugural Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit, uniting over 300 educators from 22 districts. This event sparked vibrant discussions that culminated in our first comprehensive agenda, co-published with the University of Maryland Schools of Education and Public Policy. On Constitution Day 2021, we elevated the voices of Maryland's students and educators to the national stage, participating in discussions about the Civics Secures Democracy Act with Congressman Jamie Raskin.

Gaining Momentum and Expanding Influence:

2022 was a year of growing influence and expanding connections. We briefed the Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee on civic education's status, hosted our 2nd Annual Summit, and proudly welcomed our 100th member, reflecting our ever-growing impact. The year ended with passage of increased federal funding for civics, a resounding affirmation of our collaborative grassroots advocacy efforts, significantly bolstered by the leadership and strategic guidance of CivXNow. This milestone showcases the impact of unified voices advocating for civic education. This momentum propelled us into 2023 with renewed vigor, as we embraced state-level policy positions and launched our advocacy campaign in a pivotal period in Maryland politics.

Empowering a Vibrant Community for Civic Progress:

In collaboration with the newly established Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation, we successfully hosted our 3rd Annual Summit in April of 2023. This event marked another milestone in our journey, as we continue to expand our coalition, welcoming new members from a variety of organizations dedicated to civic engagement and service.

During the 2023 Maryland General Assembly session, the Maryland Civic Education Coalition vigorously supported a civic seals bill, a key initiative to recognize students' civic contributions. Our approach included advocacy trainings, regular updates for members, and statewide collaborations, leading to the bill's unanimous approval in the Maryland Senate. However, the bill stalled in the House of Delegates due to a lack of sponsorship, providing us valuable insights to refine our strategies for future success. Emboldened by these lessons, we have redoubled our efforts to build bipartisan support for our broader policy positions. Our focus for 2024 is clear: we aim to establish a solid foundation in both chambers of the General Assembly. By nurturing relationships across the political spectrum and enhancing our advocacy approaches, we are more committed than ever to making a lasting impact.

Join the Movement:

As we continue to collaborate with our members and engage with the Moore-Miller administration and the Maryland General Assembly, we invite you to be part of this empowering journey. Your support and participation can significantly shape the future of civic education in Maryland. By joining the MDCEC, you're not just becoming a member of an organization; you're stepping into a movement dedicated to fostering informed, engaged citizens for a stronger tomorrow.

Together, let's advance civic education and shape a vibrant, democratic future for Maryland. Join us, and be part of this exciting chapter in civic empowerment.

Join us as a member of the Coalition and we can advance civics education in our state together!