The Civic Education Project (CEP), based at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, is an award-winning leadership and citizenship program for outstanding high school and junior high school students.

CEP combines traditional education and community service to promote civic responsibility among young people. Through innovative school year programs and summer courses, CEP offers promising young people opportunities to learn and serve in communities across the country, developing the knowledge, experience, and leadership skills they need to make a positive impact on society.

CEP offers weekend and weeklong service-learning immersion programs during the academic year for students in grades 9 through 12, and intensive, three-week service-learning courses during the summer for students completing grades 7 through 12. CEP also offers teacher training and support for service-learning efforts. Since the program’s founding in 1997, over 2,300 students have participated in 178 projects and dedicated nearly 60,000 total hours to service in host communities throughout the country.