Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative

Purpose

The purpose of the Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative (CTLI) is to develop the next generation of citizens and civic leaders by cultivating the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and virtues necessary for a just, free, and flourishing constitutional republic.

We do this by educating students and citizens, supporting K–12 educators, conducting research, and fostering civil discourse.

As part of the Center for Constitutional Studies, CTLI is a nonpartisan endeavor serving Utah and the surrounding regions.

CTLI Team

Members of the CTLI team come from a variety of backgrounds in education, scholarship, professional expertise, and life experience. They work together to advance the instruction and practice of constitutionalism at all levels of society. Meet the team.

Programs

This Constitution Podcast

Co-hosted by Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon, This Constitution is an every-two-weeks podcast that focuses on how the Constitution helps us navigate the most pressing political questions of our time. Find it on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
Learn more about the podcast.

Reading List for America's 250th

Commonsense Reading List

Prepare now to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
Check out our Commonsense Reading List—compiled by CCS in partnership with America250 Utah and named for Thomas Paine's 1776 Common Sense. It features books on people, events, and ideas that shaped our republic then and guide it today.

K–12 Educator Resources

Teachers being trained on new technology.

CTLI offers resources for K–12 teachers and students to increase their understanding and application of Constitutionalism. Training is delivered on UVU campus or at local or regional sites.
Constitutional Literacy Institute
Civics Educator Conferences

Master of Arts Degree

Master's degree class.

Complete a Master of Arts in Constitutional Government, Civics & Law at UVU in as few as 14 months. Classes taught at UVU, Oxford University, and online.
Learn more about the MA degree.

Visible Hand Project

Visible Hand presentation (presenter with students)

The Visible Hand project offers free, nonpartisan civics education to businesses and their employees in Utah and elsewhere. Sessions are online or in person.
Explore Visible Hand.

Learners with Littles

Learners with Litltes

Learners with Littles, a monthly discussion series held on UVU campus, brings parents and children together to help all learn more about America’s heritage and founding.
Details about Learners with Littles

Undergraduate Resources

Check out these great resources for undergraduate students:
Summer Civic Institute (New in 2025)
Tocqueville Fellowship
Minor in Constitutional Studies.

Tocqueville Fellows

Alexis de Tocqueville

The Tocqueville Fellowship, named for the French political philosopher, is a mentorship program that assists UVU students to grow as citizens and civic leaders.
Details about the fellowship.

Civics Research

CTLI supports research on civics-related topics that help citizens understand how the current and rising generations apply sound principles of civic engagement.
See the research.