The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting national recognition, legislative achievements, and expanded civic engagement initiatives that have strengthened democratic participation across Indiana.

See the Full 2024 Annual Report Here

Key 2024 Milestones:

    National Recognition for Cardinals Vote! – Ball State was named one of the 2024 Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, earning a Highly Established Action Plan Seal for its commitment to increasing student voter turnout. This distinction was featured in Forbes Magazine, the Associated Press, Indiana Public Radio, and the Ball State Daily News.
    Expansion of the Democracy Fellows Program – CECL empowered students as campus ambassadors for democracy, leading voter registration drives and civic engagement efforts. Democracy Fellow Abigail Denault became the first Ball State student to receive the Richard J. Wood Student Community Commitment Award from the Community-Engaged Alliance.
    Legislative Impact – SB211 Signed Into Law – Through CECL’s advocacy efforts, Indiana passed Senate Bill 211: Excellence in Civic Engagement Designation, which establishes statewide recognition for students and schools demonstrating excellence in civic education. The Indiana Bar Foundation played a pivotal role in advocating for this legislation.
    Civic Education Expansion Through CREATE – The Civic Renewal through Education for Agency, Tolerance, and Engagement (CREATE) project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, provided professional development to 158 new teachers, exceeding annual goals. Participating educators reported an increased confidence in leading civic and democratic discussions in their classrooms.
    Civic Learning Symposium & Summer Civic Learning Academy – CECL hosted its largest Civic Learning Symposium to date, featuring Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III and Dr. Harry Boyte as keynote speakers. The Summer Civic Learning Academy, co-sponsored by the Indiana Bar Foundation and the Center on Representative Government, provided hands-on civic education training for Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educators.

Looking Ahead to 2025. CECL is committed to expanding partnerships and continuing its impact through key initiatives, including:

    Strengthening collaborations with the Indiana Bar Foundation, Community Engaged Alliance, Muncie Community Schools, Center on Representative Government, and Minnesota Humanities Center.
    Enhancing student leadership in civic engagement through Democracy Fellows and Cardinals Vote!
    Increasing faculty involvement and research on democratic education and civic learning.
    Continuing advocacy for civic education policy and community engagement at the state and national levels.

The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State University is dedicated to advancing civic education, democratic participation, and community engagement. Through innovative programs, policy research, and partnerships, CECL equips students and educators with the knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in democracy.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact Dr. David J. Roof at djroof@bsu.edu

We look forward to working together to strengthen democratic engagement in 2025 and beyond!