Stories
Featured Story
Project Pericles Releases 2026-2028 Strategic Plan: “Shaping Civic Futures”
Project Pericles has unveiled Shaping Civic Futures, our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan to reimagine higher education’s role in strengthening democracy. Through three priorities (Pedagogical Influence, Consortium Strength, and Thought Leadership) we aim to renew civic learning as a defining feature of American higher education and ensure civic agency and engagement become defining outcomes for every student.
Browse by Category
Categories
Story Archive
A Year of Reckoning and Reimagining
One year into her role as Executive Director, Sanda Balaban reflects on Project Pericles’ journey of renewal, growth, and impact. From expanding programs and partnerships to shaping a bold strategic vision, her letter explores what higher education can and must do to strengthen democracy.
Course Spotlight: Centering Neurodivergent Voices and Community in the Classroom
At Hampshire College, Professor Gaurav Jashnani’s new course Autism & Neurodivergence in Psychology & Disability Studies centered neurodivergent voices and experiences, fostering an inclusive, supportive classroom community. Supported by a Periclean Course Enhancement grant, students created projects ranging from resource guides to workshops, deepening understanding of neurodiversity through the lenses of scholarship and activism.
Illuminating our Interns: Welcome Our Summer Interns: Nafees Abdullah and Junie Blaise
Every summer since 2018, Project Pericles has partnered with Prep for Prep, a leadership development and gifted program committed to providing lifelong academic and professional development opportunities for students of color. Through Prep for Prep’s Summer Internship Program, Project Pericles typically works with one to two students who care about making a difference in the world and are interested in working at the intersection of civic engagement, higher education, and nonprofits. Our newest Prep interns are Nafees Abdullah and Junie Blaise.
The July Periclean (2025)
The July 2025 Periclean reflects on Emerson’s call for moral courage in higher education, spotlights Sydney Tirschwell’s depolarization work at Carleton, and welcomes new staff and board members. Highlights also include Periclean engagement at global summer convenings from Prague to Aspen advancing democracy, pluralism, and civic leadership across higher education.
Pericleans and Partners Receive Recognition from the Bonner Foundation
At the Bonner Foundation’s Summer Leadership Institute and 35th Anniversary, Pericleans and partners were honored across multiple categories. These recognitions celebrate decades of leadership, innovation, and impact in civic and community engagement.
Student Spotlight: How Sydney Tirschwell Led the Charge on Depolarization at Carleton College
Carleton College graduate Sydney Tirschwell turned personal experience with polarization into action, founding CarlsVote and organizing a Braver Angels Depolarization Workshop with support from a Periclean Mini-Grant. Her efforts sparked student and faculty engagement, leaving a legacy of dialogue and empathy as she prepares for service in the Peace Corps.
Archives
- April 2026
- March 2026
- February 2026
- January 2026
- December 2025
- November 2025
- October 2025
- September 2025
- August 2025
- July 2025
- June 2025
- May 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- October 2023
- June 2023
- February 2023
- September 2022
- August 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- January 2021