CC&E provides NAU with leadership in the American Democracy Project (ADP), a nationwide, multi-campus initiative focused on higher education's role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged democratic citizens. ADP began in 2003 as an initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), in partnership with the New York Times. 

The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce graduates who are committed to being active, involved citizens in their communities. The 231 participating colleges and universities, as members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, have been described as "Stewards of Place", preparing the next generation of grassroots democratic and respectful relationships across differences.

Spearheaded by CC&E's leadership, Northern Arizona University is an increasingly active partner and national leader in these efforts. In particular, CC&E is focused on the ADP's Civic Agency Initiative, which seeks to enhance engaged learning and community based research and action initiatives between NAU and a host of community partners. The goal of this work is to provide students with wide-ranging opportunities to get involved with broader communities. The Civic Agency Initiative understands civic engagement as a vital mode of learning through dialogue and networks of collaborative work and action.