New Documentary Explores How Young People Can Turn Civic Engagement into a Calling

"Roadtrip Nation: Living Civics" premieres online and examines how the next generation can become engaged, thoughtful leaders in civic life

COSTA MESA, Calif., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roadtrip Nation, a nonprofit that helps young people explore meaningful career and life pathways, announced the release today of Living Civics, a new documentary film created in partnership with the Ibis Group. The film examines how we are preparing young people to become informed, engaged participants in democracy—equipped with the knowledge, skills, and sense of purpose to help address the country's most urgent challenges.

Living Civics follows three young adults on a 1,412-mile month-long cross-country road trip as they conduct 10 in-depth interviews with leaders who have devoted their lives to strengthening civic life. Along the way, they meet with nationally recognized voices from the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at Harvard University, The American Exchange Project, iCivics, Office of American Possibilities, Future Caucus, West Wing Writers, Braver Angels Music, and Disagree Better.

"At a time when many young people are asking how they can make a difference, Living Civics shows that there are many ways to engage in civic life—and that those paths can be deeply personal," said Mike Marriner, co-founder and president of Roadtrip Nation. "By connecting young people with leaders in the field, the film brings civic engagement to life in a way that feels real, relevant, and possible."

At its core, Living Civics centers youth voices as essential to the future of democracy. As the film's protagonists Emmie, Caleb, and Tristan prepare to enter the workforce and embark on their post-graduation lives, the film captures how they are thinking about civic participation today—and what it means to contribute to their communities while staying true to their values.

"Civics education isn't just about teaching young people how government works, it's about helping them see themselves as active participants in shaping it," said Chi Kim, Board Chair of Ibis Group. "It is incredible to watch Emmie, Caleb and Tristan experience this first-hand in the Living Civics documentary as they learned from our nation's leading civic leaders."

The documentary models what it looks like to engage thoughtfully with people whose perspectives differ from your own, highlighting the powerful role education can play in sparking civic engagement. When young people understand how democracy works—and where they fit within it—they are more likely to participate.

The film makes clear that civic engagement does not require a cross-country road trip. Living Civics extends those lessons beyond the journey itself, showing how young people can take action in their own communities through everyday participation, local involvement, and informed engagement.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Living Civics offers a timely reminder: a healthy democracy depends on young people who are willing to engage, listen, and help shape what comes next. Watch the film on Roadtrip Nation's website.

About Roadtrip Nation
Roadtrip Nation humanizes career exploration through stories and empowers individuals to connect their interests to fulfilling lives and careers. Through its award-winning public television series, New York Times bestselling book "Roadmap," and educational programs and tools that provide visibility and insights into career possibilities and pathways, Roadtrip Nation gives people from all backgrounds confidence and belief in their ability to persist through challenges and define success for themselves. Roadtrip Nation, a part of Strada Collaborative, has been showcased at the United Nations Social Innovation Summit, Clinton Global Initiative, NBC Education Nation, TEDx, Talks at Google, SXSW, and the Harvard Social Enterprise Forum, and their programs currently reach over 16 million students each year. For more information, visit roadtripnation.com.

About Ibis Group
Ibis Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the knowledge and expanding the skills of PK-16 students to become literate, engaged, and contributing members of their communities. Their approach focuses on investing in dynamic leaders and organizations that demonstrate a proven ability to foster knowledge, dignity, and agency—ensuring meaningful and lasting impact. To learn more, visit www.theibisgroup.org.

SOURCE Roadtrip Nation