Deliberative Citizenship Network

The Deliberative Citizenship Network (DCN) is a multi-year, multi-institution initiative designed to strengthen civil discourse, democratic engagement, and civic learning on college campuses nationwide.

Funded by a nearly $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (P116J251451), the DCN builds on the trailblazing work of the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative and is led by the Institute for Public Good (IPG). 

Beginning in 2026 and over the next four years, the IPG and key partners will develop a national network of civil discourse programs at 100 colleges and universities, positioning the IPG as a central hub for research, teaching, and public engagement around ideological pluralism, civic engagement, and deliberation. One hundred percent of project activities are funded by FIPSE grant for the duration of the award period.