The School of Civic Life and Leadership

“At SCiLL, we are educating citizens and leaders for constitutional self-government—graduates who can think clearly, engage disagreement, and lead with purpose in a pluralistic democracy. Over time, that kind of education shapes a state and strengthens a nation.”

Jed Atkins, Director and Dean, School of Civic Life and Leadership

August 11, 2026

SCiLL is Now UNC’s 15th Independent School

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced that the UNC School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL) is now an independent academic unit, becoming the University’s 15th independent school.

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July 27, 2026

SCiLL Summer Civics Institutes teach democracy fundamentals

In separate seminars led by Carolina faculty, civics teachers and high school students debated issues faced by the nation’s founders.

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July 16, 2026

National Spotlight on Civic Education: Secretary of Education Visits SCiLL

The School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL) was honored to welcome U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to campus to meet with students and faculty.

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Public Facing Program

Summer Civics Institutes

The School of Civic Life and Leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill will host Summer Civics Institutes for North Carolina educators and high school students in July 2026.

The Institute will host 20 North Carolina middle and high school teachers on campus at UNC-Chapel Hill, July 6-9, 2026 and 20 high school students, July 12-16. For a deep dive into this year’s two-weeklong campus seminars, watch the video.

The Institutes aim to plant the seeds for serious study of and awareness about history and civics among students and teachers in North Carolina. Students will study primary texts in the American political tradition, cultivate social and intellectual friendships with each other, and connect with UNC-Chapel Hill.

The program is free to students and teachers and includes lodging and a stipend.

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Events

SCiLL helps Carolina live out its promise as the nation’s first public university by hosting programs that address timely public issues, connect the campus with communities across North Carolina, and bring diverse perspectives into meaningful dialogue.

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