Carly Shearer ‘26 Recognized as 2026 ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Award Recipient

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:58:53 -0400

Carly Shearer ‘26, an evaluation intern in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, has been honored on the National Student Voting Honor Roll as a leader in nonpartisan campus civic engagement. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) recognized 168 students across the country for their contributions to creating a more civically engaged culture within their campus communities. From civic learning to voter participation, these students lead by example and empower their peers to become lifelong participants in democracy.

Shearer is in her second year as an intern with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. She explores the impact of the Center’s initiatives across campus and beyond. In addition to her service as an intern, Shearer participated in the Center’s STRiVE leadership for public purpose program and a Change Makers Dinner in the 2023-2024 academic year, was a site coordinator for STRiVE in 2025, and a STRiVE 2026 coach. She is a Center for Women in Technology Scholar majoring in computer science and minoring in gender, women’s, and sexuality studies.

Shearer said, “I'm grateful to everyone who nominated me for the award which reflects the shared commitment of our community to this work. Being part of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life has shown me that civic life is everywhere, and that students from any background have more power than they think. Our work helps students connect to civic life, no matter their major, and feel confident using their voices to make change.”

“Carly is one of the most extraordinary students I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Tess McRae ‘22, the Center’s assistant director for connective learning. “She is always willing to take on a challenge, and makes every project she works on better for her perceptiveness and intellect. The work she has done to support civic engagement on campus, including in her role with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, has been consistently thoughtful, innovative, and sensitive to the diversity of experiences among the student body. I am thrilled that ALL IN has recognized her excellent contributions.”

Jen Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, shared, “From hosting registration drives to initiating conversations with classmates in the hallway, our 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll is filled with students who exemplify what it means to be a leader in civic engagement. As college students face increasing barriers to voting while on campus, these students are making nonpartisan voter participation a lifelong habit for themselves, their peers and their campuses. We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and excited to see their continued impact as we approach this year’s midterm elections.”

ALL IN supports more than 1,000 campuses and 10 million students nationally to make nonpartisan civic engagement an ongoing part of campus life. Members of the 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll were nominated by campus leaders for their dedication and excellence in voter education, registration and turnout in 2025.

ABOUT the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student civic engagement. Through an intentionally designed program that provides structure, support, and recognition, ALL IN works to improve civic learning, voter participation, and ongoing engagement in our democracy at more than 1,000 campuses nationwide. ALL IN believes higher education should play a role in developing an active and informed citizenry by educating students, motivating them to engage in American democracy, and instilling the value of lifelong participation. ALL IN is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

ABOUT Civic Nation:

Civic Nation is an impact hub for ideas, leaders, and initiatives that strengthen civic culture, power, and participation. Rooted in purpose and powered by people, Civic Nation brings together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders, brands, and influencers to take on the biggest issues of our time. Civic Nation is home to five national initiatives: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It’s On Us, We The Action, and When We All Vote.