Kids Around Town is an inquiry-based approach that helps students transfer and apply civic skills to public and private issues. Through research, analysis, and problem-solving, KAT students select a local policy issue—typically involving public officials—and take appropriate civic action.

KAT students have tackled lead in public drinking water, deer population problems, school violence, shad in the Delaware River, abandoned houses, abandoned vehicles, recreational facilities, bicycle safety, school bathrooms, composting, and new immigrants.

KAT students’ study and informed activism have produced a State Resolution and countless public improvements, but perhaps more important, they've planted seeds for further responsible civic initiatives and nurtured positive civic capital.

KAT materials and staff development stress best practices, including using primary sources in the community and encouraging student initiative. KAT emphasizes that there are more than “two sides” to issues—it’s rarely a dichotomy between the good guys and the bad guys, and good solutions often combine strengths from multiple perspectives. 

Under funding from Pennsylvania Service Learning Alliance (PSLA) and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), KAT worked with teachers and classes in special education and developed a handbook to support civic education for all learners. 

Excerpts of that handbook are available on KAT’s website.

KAT is an excellent way to teach kids about being good citizens.  It has differentiated learning methods, allows students to get involved in the process, and teaches students that civics is not a spectator sport.

-CMS Review