The potential for quality civic education programs to foster civic empowerment and engagement among young citizens is explored through an examination of three programs for primary and secondary school students implemented by the Center for Civic Education--We the People/James Madison Legacy Project, Presidential and Congressional Academies for American History and Civics, and Project Citizen. The unique active learning elements of the programs are described. The results of quantitative and qualitative research are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs in instilling civic knowledge, dispositions, and skills in young people, including high-needs students.