The SPA Project on Civic Dialogue provides skill-building opportunities students can use in their professional and civic lives. This year we are proud to introduce the Civic Innovation Lab, a collaborative, hands-on experience that connects students with each other and with experts and challenges them to develop policies that improve American University. Throughout the Spring 2025 semester, four student teams will explore a critical issue and develop an action plan with support from professional mentors on campus and in their field. Topics include fostering community at AU, improving accessibility, promoting public safety, and streamlining the campus policymaking process.

Team members will meet each week of the Spring 2025 semester to explore their topics, speak with experts on and off campus, and engage in dialogue activities. Teams will meet with American University leaders and professional mentors to gain critical insight into their topic. Each team will present its proposal to American University leaders and engage in dialogue about their findings and recommendations.

Applications are now open through December 20th, 2024. Students of all years and majors are welcome to apply. For any questions, please reach out to Program Coordinator Emily Blumberg at eblumberg@american.edu

Apply Now!