Call for Applications 2026

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We are happy to invite applications for the Institute of Civic Studies and Learning for

Democracy (ICSLD) that will take place in Augsburg, Germany, from June 5–June 14,

2026. The ICSLD is organized by a team from North Carolina State University (Chad

Hoggan) and University of Augsburg, Germany (Tetyana Hoggan-Kloubert), with

support of the Madison Center for Civic Engagement at James Madison University and

Tufts University (Peter Levine).

The Institute of Civic Studies and Learning for Democracy is an intensive, 10-day seminar and residential retreat that brings together an international group of practitioners, graduate students, and scholars from diverse professions and fields of study. Participants will stay at the same hotel and participate in workshops, planning sessions, and social events throughout the retreat days and evenings.

The ICSLD deals with issues related to the development of civic society, the role of the individual/citizen in society, the role of education in promoting democracy, the role of institutions in the development of a civic society, and questions related to the ethical foundation of civic issues in a democratic society. These topics will be examined in international and comparative perspectives.

The ICSLD engages participants in challenging discussions such as:

• What kinds of citizens do democracies need?
• What do citizens need to know and be able to do in order to participate effectively in democratic society?
• What practices and institutional structures promote such participation?
• Which values and principles are necessary for a civic life that supports
• democracy?
• How can we learn from influential theorists and practitioners at important turning points in history?

The Institute of Civic Studies and Learning for Democracy is a continuation of the Summer Institute of Civic Studies, which was organized in different forms by Peter Levine, Karol Sołtan, Tetyana Hoggan-Kloubert, and Chad Hoggan from 2009-2025.

All application materials must be submitted in English. The application should include the following:

• A cover letter telling us why you want to participate in the ICSLD and how the seminar will help you promote civic capacities and engagement in the area in which you live (currently or in the future). (Maximum 2 pages)
• A curriculum vitae or resumé.

Please submit your application and supporting materials at this link: 2026 ICSLD Application

Applicants selected for the Institute of Civic Studies and Learning for Democracy will have full access to all seminars and workshops offered during the program. Participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to Augsburg, Germany. A sufficient number of hotel rooms has been reserved in Augsburg: the cost of lodging is €680 per person for a shared double room or €940 for a single room for the duration of the institute. Breakfast is included with the hotel package, but participants should expect to cover the cost of their remaining meals during the program. Applicants for whom lodging costs may pose a challenge are encouraged to inform the organizers.

As part of our commitment to supporting voices from (South)Eastern and Central Europe, we can offer five stipends specifically for participants from the region.

These stipends will cover:

• Accommodation during the Institute (shared room)
• Up to €300  to assist with additional expenses, including travel costs, food, and local train tickets to visit historical sites.

We are interested in applicants who have a long-term interest in developing the civic potential in their respective countries. Participants will be asked to prepare by reading provided texts in advance of the Institute. The working language of the ICSLD will be English. Your mastery of the English language must be sufficient to read and understand complex texts from multiple disciplines, and to take part in lively discussions.

For best consideration, please apply by February 28, 2026 at the following link: 2026 ICSLD Application. Decisions will be announced in March.

For more information about the Institute of Civic Studies and Learning for Democracy, please contact tetyana.kloubert@uni-a.de. We encourage you to share information about this program with your networks of people who might be interested in attending.