Aside from voting, students are skeptical about traditional forms of political engagement. But many are open to other types of involvement in civic life. Youth organizations have untapped potential to positively influence the civic preparation of young people. Students are drawn to television as their source of news. Patterns of trust in government-related institutions vary widely among countries.
Students are supportive of the political rights of women and of immigrants.
Gender differences are minimal with regard to civic knowledge but substantial in some attitudes. Teachers recognize the importance of civic education in preparing young people for citizenship. Diverse patterns of civic knowledge and attitudes toward democratic participation are found in both newly democratic and long-established democracies. Offering to partner with a grant recipient by incorporating NIF in the project in some way can be mutually beneficial. She points out, though, that such partnerships don't happen automatically, or overnight, or without effort, and suggests some things to try that may eventually bear fruit.