Mike Mansfield sitting on steps of the US capitol building

Mansfield Center

Building Civic Competency in the Rural West

Montana High School students tour the State Capitol The Mansfield Center promotes citizen competency and informed patriotism through activities that examine the trajectory of American self-government, from its founding principles to their application in today's civic life. Our programs support an understanding of how our system of government fosters cooperation within a free society and how it is structured to uphold liberty, justice and the rule of law for all. Lasting civic understanding comes from recognizing both the enduring principles of the country’s founding and the honest, sometimes painful, history of how the United States has struggled to realize those ideals.

Our programs reach over 10,000 students, teachers, and community members annually through civic education and engagement programs with a focus on Montana and the Rural West. Executive Director Deena Mansour was appointed by the Governor to serve on Montana250, reinforcing the Center’s role as a civic leader during this historic moment. Our work is closely aligned with statewide Semiquincentennial planning and uniquely positioned to amplify the educational priorities of both state and community efforts.

By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and underserved communities, we are building a stronger foundation for our nation.

Civic Engagement Programs

Students participate in class discussion

Montana Civics Forum

The Civics Forum gathers 250 high school juniors and seniors from across Montana for a full-day conference designed to inspire leadership, foster collaboration, and promote civic engagement through interactive learning experiences led by university faculty, staff, students, and community leaders.

A group of Montana high school social studies teachers standing in front of the Payne Native American Center

Secondary Educators Fellowship

This immersive, week-long fellowship brings together 15 Montana high school social studies educators, with a particular focus on U.S. history and government teachers. Through historical and philosophical inquiry, participants examine the promise and perils of American democracy while gaining content knowledge, teaching strategies, and classroom-ready resources.

High school students volunteer in a community garden.

Mansfield Civics Institute

The Mansfield Civics Institute at the University of Montana is an intensive two-week residential program designed to build civic knowledge, critical thinking, and democratic engagement among high school students across the state of Montana.

A group of Civics Bee participants sitting at a table

National Civics Bee

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition for middle school students designed to inspire young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Students who participate in the National Civics Bee gain knowledge about American democracy, practice engaging respectfully and constructively, and build trust in others and institutions.

Montana Election Observation Initiative

The Mansfield Center is partnering with the Carter Center to implement the Montana Election Observation Initiative (MTEOI). MTEOI, funded by The Carter Center, is a nonpartisan election observation effort designed to increase trust and transparency in elections.