CECL 2025 Annual Report: A Year of Statewide Scaling and National Partnership
In 2025, the Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) accelerated its mission through statewide initiatives, expanded academic programs, national partnerships, and measurable civic impact across communities. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
This year marked a turning point—moving from strong local results to statewide civic infrastructure. With the U.S. Department of Education’s $1.76 million award for CREATE250, CECL is helping prepare Indiana educators and students for America’s Semiquincentennial through rigorous civic learning, primary sources, and field-based experiences. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Highlights from 2025
- CREATE250 launched as a statewide Community of Practice for Title I educators—an evidence-based blueprint for scaling high-quality civic learning across Indiana. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Indiana Civic Health Index leadership: CECL authored statewide analysis of voting and voter registration, elevating policy-relevant insights on barriers, access, and information clarity. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- C4G—Cultivating Civic Character for the Common Good launched with Wake Forest University’s Educating Character Initiative, positioning Ball State as a national leader in character-infused civic learning. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Ball State joined the American Democracy Project (ADP), with CECL serving as the coordinating home for campus-wide democratic engagement. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Indiana’s first Civic Studies Minor launched in Fall 2025—an interdisciplinary pathway for civic responsibility, ethical leadership, and democratic engagement. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
The Civic Health Index framework is widely used to assess how communities engage public problems through indicators such as voting, civic participation, and social connection—helping states translate civic data into practical action. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}