Theorizing Citizenship and Evaluating Public Achievement

Part of a special section on service learning in political science. The writer describes and explains the ways in which Public Achievement operates to educate program participants of all ages to be effective and reflective political and social actors. He outlines the theoretical framework and practice of Public Achievement. In addition, he considers some of what has been learned from a continuing assessment of the program. Furthermore, he explains how younger students and undergraduates benefit from their participation. Finally, he considers the role that theory plays in Public Achievement and service learning in general.