Our Mission
Citizen Schools helps all students thrive in school and beyond through hands-on learning and career mentors.
In 2026, Citizen Schools is celebrating over 30 years of impact and looking ahead to our next chapter of service for schools across the country.
Citizen Schools was founded on MLK Day in 1995, inspired by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for all Americans to serve.
Since then, thousands of volunteers, AmeriCorps members, staff and allies have reached tens of thousands of students and teachers across the country. An incredible 30 years of learning together.
Our Vision
All students have experiences and relationships that ignite curiosity, build confidence, and help them develop into the next generation of leaders.
Our Values
Confidence
Trust in yourself because you believe you can achieve great things, while feeling comfortable enough to ask for help, and learning from others.
Curiosity
The desire to learn more, test ideas, experiment, and build understanding.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Understand other perspectives, value differences in backgrounds, and be inclusive of other experiences.
Perseverance
Ability to take smart risks, learn from failing, and follow through with the drive to overcome adversity because you believe in a better future.
Teamwork
Commitment to working with others toward a common purpose and celebrate accomplishments as a community.
