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Programs

I use the program in all five of my civic classes. Every class works on a different topic of their own choosing, and puts together its own portfolio. We hold a competition between the classes in front of a panel of judges, made up of members of the community, to determine which class will represent our school at the state Project Citizen competition. Many students who have started 7th grade with distaste for social studies leave at the end of the year with a positive attitude and perspective."
Sarah Milochick David
Gaudineer Middle School
Springfield, NJ

Project Citizen

Project Citizen is a project-based civic education program that involves students in understanding public policy and emphasizes responsible participation in local and state government. Students learn how to interact with government agencies to effect change.

Annual Showcase

The annual Project Citizen digital portfolio showcase will be held on June 3, 2026.

The New Jersey Center for Civic Education sponsors an annual NJ State Project Citizen Showcase where classes of students present their projects.  This year's Project Citizen Showcase will be held at Rutgers University on June 3, 2026.  The projects are evaluated by a panel of educators. The highest scoring middle and high school projects are sent to the National Project Citizen Showcase held in July every year.

The showcase will be in-person at the Cook Campus Center, Rutgers University. This will provide students with the experience of conversation with the judges about their projects and the chance to demonstrate what they have learned. Lunch will be provided for the students and teachers following the presentations.. Schools planning to attend in-person can REGISTER HERE Please register by May 1st. The portfolio does not have to be complete by May 1st, but schools should indicate their intent to attend by this date. We hope to see you there!

Submit digital projects and any questions by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by May 29h.

Digital Portfolio

The digital portfolio should identify:

  • the problem selected and why it was selected
  • alternative policies
  • the policy selected and why it is constitutional and the best solution
  • an action plan
  • reflections about the process and what was learned and a backup digital binder with research, letters, etc.

Format:

The digital portfolio you send to us may be in any digital format (but make sure that you send it READ ONLY so that it can’t be changed) and in a format that is not too large, including:

  • a powerpoint
  • Photostory (available free online)
  • a website
  • a video
  • a movie using Movie Maker (available free online) or other software
  • Live Binders (a free online source that allows you to create interactive "binders" online and to upload pictures, videos, and other interactive content)
  • Any other type of computer-based presentation that you can send by link to a website.

Creating an Electronic Portfolio:

  • Create a portfolio yourself to provide an example for your students and to anticipate challenges.
  • Test out your technology ahead of time where students will be working on their portfolios to ensure they have access to certain tools.
  • Demonstrate each technology step-by-step with students in a lab setting.
  • If you are new to using Web 2.0 resources, start small.
  • Model adherence to copyright and attribution rules by having students use their own photos and videos, search copyright-free sites, and teach citation rules.

Web 2.0 Resources for Creating Electronic Portfolios (Students & Teachers)

  • Due to school Internet filters, some sites may be blocked.
  • All sites listed have a "free" option available.