What does the USC Center for the Political Future do?

The center brings together leaders from across the political spectrum for public conversations modeling constructive engagement. They offer student programs preparing the next generation for principled democratic participation, produce research on polarization and democratic health, and create opportunities for bipartisan dialogue and civic learning.

Who participates in center programs?

The center works with political leaders from both parties willing to model constructive engagement, USC students seeking civic education and leadership development, researchers studying polarization and democratic systems, and public audiences interested in bipartisan dialogue and democratic culture.

What makes the center unique?

The center combines academic research with practical demonstration of bipartisan cooperation, hosting paired leaders from different parties in public conversations. They integrate student education with real-world political engagement while producing scholarship on polarization, creating a comprehensive approach to strengthening democratic culture.

How can people engage with the center?

Individuals can attend public conversations featuring bipartisan leader pairs, participate in student programs if enrolled at USC, access research on polarization and democratic health, or follow the center's educational initiatives. They provide opportunities for learning about constructive political engagement and democratic participation.

USC Center for the Political Future

Modeling constructive political engagement and preparing future democratic leaders

Primary audience

Students and leaders

Work area

Civic education

Topic

Democratic engagement

Website Contact

About Organization

USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future brings together bipartisan leaders to model constructive engagement, offers student programs, and produces research on political polarization and democratic health. Based at the University of Southern California, the center hosts public conversations and prepares the next generation for principled democratic participation.

What They Focus On

Bipartisan Dialogue

Convenes leaders across political spectrum for public conversations modeling constructive engagement and demonstrating paths to common ground.

Civic Education

Prepares students for principled democratic participation through leadership programs and training in constructive political engagement.

Democratic Research

Produces academic analysis examining polarization, democratic health, and strategies for strengthening civic discourse and institutions.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Leader Convening

Bring together bipartisan pairs of political leaders for public conversations modeling constructive engagement across differences.
02

Student Development

Train next generation through programs teaching principled democratic participation and leadership skills for public service.
03

Research Production

Conduct academic analysis of polarization, democratic health, and political discourse to inform understanding and solutions.
04

Public Education

Share research findings and model conversations with broader audiences through accessible programs and events.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by USC Center for the Political Future

Bipartisan Dialogues

Hosts public conversations featuring paired leaders from different political parties modeling constructive engagement and finding common ground.

Student Programs

Offers educational opportunities preparing next generation for principled participation in democracy through leadership development and civic training.