The Capitol Forum on America's Future

The Capitol Forum is an experiential civic education initiative that gives high school students a voice in public consideration of current international issues. The program is run on a statewide basis in participating states and involves students both within the social studies classroom and beyond the classroom at their state capitol. The Capitol Forum seeks to raise awareness on critical international issues and to help develop a foundation for longterm civic engagement.

At the heart of the Capitol Forum is an exploration of four distinct visions, or "Futures", for the United States in the coming years. The year-long program culminates in a student ballot that is shared with elected officials and the media. Students are also invited to express their own views as a "Future Five."

What's New? Teachers and schools are adapting the Capitol Forum model to meet their teaching needs. Programs take place within a school or district, among classes from several schools, and in a variety of other venues. See the samples of programs taking place. Resources are available.

Curriculum of the Capitol Forum The central question of the Capitol Forum is "What role should the United States play in the changing international environment of the 21st century?"

Statewide Programs The Capitol Forum statewide programs involve students both within their social studies classroom and beyond the classroom. The program is organized in each participating state by a lead organization an interest in international education and youth civic engagement. Organizing Resources for each stage of Statewide Programs are available online.

New Models New local models allow for any content topics that fit the curriculum and inform the ultimate question of the role of the United States in the world. Descriptions of a range of models are available.

Videos about the Program See the videos about the Capitol Forum. They feature the Illinois Capitol Forum and were developed by the Illinois Humanities Council in collaboration with the Choices Program.

Capitol Forum Calendar This calendar provides information on workshops and forums associated with the Capitol Forum.