Cal State San Bernardino has been named to Washington Monthly’s 2018 America’s Best Colleges for Student Voting, a first-of-its-kind list of the schools doing the most to turn students into citizens.The ranking is a part of The College Guide and Rankings, which rates colleges and universities on their contributions to social mobility, research and public service.CSUSB’s inclusion on the list of 132 four-year and two-year colleges demonstrates the university’s commitment to promote civic engagement among the student body, encouraging students to vote and actively participate in community decisions.“While we work hard to ensure that our students receive an exceptional educational experience, we also strive to make sure that our students become engaged and responsible citizens here on campus, in the community and after graduation,” said Diane Podolske, director of the CSUSB Office of Community Engagement.According to Washington Monthly, “Since voting habits tend to crystallize in young adulthood – vote in one election, and you’re far more likely to do so again – colleges and universities have an unparalleled opportunity to create voters not just for the next election, but for life. The colleges that invest in student voting aren’t just helping their Washington Monthly rankings – they’re helping the country.”Ensuring that the nation’s young people – its future leaders – are inspired to engage civically is key to strengthening democracy. On many college and university campuses, less than half of eligible student voters exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot in presidential elections. To do its part in improving youth civic engagement, CSUSB participates in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), which offers colleges and universities an opportunity to learn their student registration and voting rates.Cal State San Bernardino also participates in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, a national, nonpartisan awards program recognizing colleges and universities for improving civic learning, political engagement and student voting rates. As a part of this initiative, students, faculty and staff have worked together to develop and implement an action plan to improve practice and change culture. Through these efforts, CSUSB has committed to graduating active and informed citizens.