The Business Case for Civics Education

The Business Case for Civics Education published by Harvard Business Review

This paper put into words what we’ve known all along at Civic Leadership Foundation: civic learning is life learning. The ability to lead, collaborate, and engage across differences isn’t a side benefit — it’s the core of a well-functioning society.

Summary:
The paper argues that civics education is not only vital to a healthy democracy but also essential for a strong economy and effective workforce. It highlights a growing civics crisis in the United States, where public knowledge of government functions and civic responsibilities is alarmingly low. This erosion of civic understanding contributes to distrust in institutions, polarization, and reduced civic participation.

It makes a compelling case that civics education equips young people with key 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, empathy, and problem-solving. These skills are in high demand in the modern workplace, meaning civics learning directly supports workforce readiness. Business leaders increasingly recognize that employees who are civically engaged also tend to be more responsible, inclusive, and effective in team environments.

The paper also includes perspectives from companies like Allstate, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, and United Airlines, who have invested in civic learning initiatives for youth and employees alike. These programs emphasize community engagement, informed voting, and respectful dialogue. The paper also references research showing that stable democracies and civic trust are linked to stronger, more resilient economies.

Ultimately, it urges the private sector to champion civics education as a long-term investment. It calls for business leaders to partner with educators, nonprofits, and policymakers to reimagine civic learning—both inside and outside the classroom—as a strategic priority for future talent, leadership, and societal stability.