Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE)

The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) focuses on the political life of young people in the United States, especially those who are marginalized or disadvantaged. CIRCLE’s scholarly research informs policy and practice for healthier youth development and a better democracy.

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CIRCLE in the News

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Fox News

Sanders urged Harris to focus 'on the working class, not just on abortion,' book reveals

This article cites data from CIRCLE that Kamala Harris included in her book “107 Days,” in which she notes that 40 percent of young voters put the economy and jobs as their top issue for the 2024 election.

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Newsday

All rise for Justice Sonia Sotomayor's warning

This article quotes a 2025 report from CIRCLE that found "31% of youth express a lack of commitment to democratic principles and practices and a higher likelihood to embrace authoritarian measures.

Newsweek

Gen Z is Falling in Love With George Bush

Sarah Burnham, postdoctoral scholar at CIRCLE, is quoted about Gen Z’s current nostalgia for the George W. Bush presidency, saying, “The fact that youth are looking to the past may be a sign of their dissatisfaction with the present: our research has found that only 16 percent of young people believe democracy is working well for them."

The Fulcrum

CIRCLE Pushes To Close Gaps in Youth Civic Engagement Through Research and Partnerships

Alberto Medina discusses CIRCLE’s mission to eliminate “barriers and build communities, institutions, and a society that gives every single young person the preparation and opportunity to become an agent of change in their communities.” Medina also highlighted recent CIRCLE data on youth voting trends and Gen Z’s attitudes towards democracy.

The New York Times

They Are 16 and 17 Years Old, and They Want to Vote. Like, Now.

Ruby Belle Booth of CIRCLE is quoted in this piece on lowering the voting age, “For a long time we thought all young people are Democrats, or that’s the popular message. That’s definitely not the case.”

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Associated Press

Young adults are less likely to follow politics or say voting is important: AP-NORC poll

Alberto Medina of CIRCLE notes that despite high voting rates among youth voters, this group lacks “belief that democracy can even improve their lives.”

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