The Campus Revolution You Won’t See on Cable News

At a time of deep division in America, the idea of bringing together college students with different political and personal backgrounds for honest and productive conversations about sensitive issues might seem impossible. 

But here we are: halfway through this fall’s Civic Gym season, and our Unify Challenge program is proving that not only is it possible, it’s powerful.

Through one-on-one, guided video conversations, students from across the country are discovering shared hopes for America’s future. They’re reminding us all that respectful, constructive discussions between people who disagree is possible so long as we’re willing to step outside our “bubbles.” 

Real Conversations. Real Impact.

Last month, over 5,000 students from 44 schools and 23 states joined the virtual Unify Challenge. Each student was paired by our algorithm with someone from a different school, and often a different background, political ideology, and worldview. 

For about an hour, these pairs talked candidly about issues that matter most to them, from abortion and immigration to the economy and healthcare. They found more common ground than they expected, and also found themselves open to hearing each other out even when they disagreed.

Since launching in 2021, the Unify Challenge has brought together over 42,000 students and hundreds of educators nationwide. The results speak for themselves:

• 65% of participants say they would take the Challenge again with a new partner (not bad for a homework assignment!)
• Students rate their Unify Challenge experience an 8.8 out of 10, on average. 
• 74% of students report that the Unify Challenge increased their confidence in discussing complex issues with people who think differently from them.

A student from Pikes Peak State College summed up her experience this way: “I believe an important part of any education now has to include the ability to disagree — to know how to speak to people passionately, but with respect. If colleges can teach the next generation what that looks like, then the next people entering into government offices, into businesses, and into media will be those people that have a [respectful] discussion... We can learn how to have conversations that don’t require that there’s a winner and a loser.”