Thriving democracies require engaged citizens who possess skills pertaining to critical thinking, respectful discourse, and an appreciation of the value of difference. In this chapter, we discuss ways in which we cultivate these skills in STEM classrooms at two demographically different institutions of higher education and course types. Leaning on scholarship that shows the positive impacts of creating community and belonging, we make the case that civic participation is a critical value that should be agnostic to course type. Suggestions for transferability and institution-specific considerations will also be discussed.
