American Lyceum Initiative

The Center for Civics, Culture and Society at Cleveland State University, established by the Ohio Legislature in 2023, was created and exists “to conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society.” The center pursues these goals primarily in three ways: by the development and delivery of introductory and upper-level undergraduate courses that bring students into meaningful conversation with one another and with the great political, philosophical and literary figures of the American and Western traditions about questions of perennial and contemporary relevance; by producing scholarship and advancing the state of knowledge regarding those traditions; and by sponsoring outreach to the Cleveland State, Greater Cleveland, and national communities that advances discussion of these topics.

The Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, established by the Ohio Legislature in 2023, grounds the Miami community in the history, traditions, ideas, and texts that shaped the American constitutional order. Every Miami undergraduate will engage with coursework in American history or its equivalent, supported and guided by the center. By championing free and rigorous inquiry, civil discourse, intellectual diversity, and respectful exchange of ideas, the center prepares emerging leaders who listen to all voices and strengthen Ohio in government, industry, and civic life.

The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, established by the Ohio Legislature in 2023, conducts “teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society.” The center equips students with the “skills, habits, and dispositions of mind they need to reach their own informed conclusions on matters of social and political importance.” Dedicated to the ethic of open inquiry, the center provides a curriculum and university-wide programming focused on the books, major debates, and ideals that form the foundation of free societies.

The School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL) provides an interdisciplinary home “for the study and practice of public discourse, civic life, and civic leadership.” Students explore the foundations and current state of American political experience and democracy through a wide range of courses. The curriculum fosters skills essential to civic engagement, including oral presentation, resolution of misunderstandings, understanding scientific claims, and navigating challenging conversations. SCiLL also hosts a campus speaker series and a fellowship program.

The Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education “is devoted to research and teaching on Western civilization and the principles of a free society.” The Hamilton School prioritizes rigorous scholarship, open inquiry, and free expression in its mission to prepare the next generation of American leaders. Drawing inspiration from Oxford and Cambridge colleges, the Hamilton School offers small class sizes and close mentorship. It is particularly committed to exposing students to intellectually diverse ideas derived from the timeless classics rather than promoting ideological agendas.

The Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa opens a bold new chapter in our community as a dedicated hub for exploring the foundational ideas, texts, and traditions that have shaped the American constitutional order and free societies. Established through state legislation in 2025, the center promises more than just traditional academic coursework. We offer a unique environment where diverse viewpoints are encouraged to come together to engage in civil debate and thoughtful conversation.

The Center for American Leadership and Public Discourse, established by the USC Board of Trustees in 2025, brings together scholars, thought leaders, and community members throughout South Carolina and beyond to address critical challenges facing the state and nation. Through events, publications and academic programs, the center will help South Carolina students and community members develop the skills required for civic leadership.

The Institute of American Civics, established in 2022 by the Tennessee General Assembly, was created to “strengthen civic education and participation while reviving thoughtfulness, civility and respect for opposing viewpoints in national discourse.” It offers a minor, two certificates, and core courses focused on understanding the structure of state, local, and federal government; the founding principles of the United States and of Tennessee; and the responsibilities of citizenship. Its Constitutional Conversations and local government programs promote civil discourse and constructive debate.

The School of Civic Leadership is devoted to the “study of the best achievements and greatest difficulties of the American tradition in order to understand what it takes to preserve the blessings of liberty for ourselves and for others.” It offers a major and several minors that combine a classical liberal education with the study of American history, law, economics, and political philosophy. Its programs, including the Civitas Institute and seminars for high school students and teachers, focus on understanding freedom, virtue, and the rights and obligations of citizenship.

The Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership, also established by the Ohio Legislature in 2023, provides law students with “the opportunity for deeper exploration of our common constitutional heritage and how the 236-year-old Constitution continues to shape our country’s political, cultural and legal norms and arguments.” The institute’s curriculum focuses on the study of state constitutions and emphasizes respectful dialogue between different viewpoints. It also offers lectures and debates that explore questions of justice, liberty, and the common good.

The Center for Civics, Culture, and Workforce Development is a signature initiative at the intersection of civic renewal, military engagement, and workforce readiness. It positions Wright State University as a national leader by supporting active-duty, veteran, and DoD-affiliated students, as well as those preparing to work for Ohio’s largest employer. Advancing intellectual diversity through civility, curiosity, and a focus on shared values. Attracting federal, state, and philanthropic investment. Empowering students for civic life, leadership, and public service careers. The center exists to cultivate civic responsibility, cultural understanding, and workforce readiness with a strategic focus on our defense community.