The Center for American Vision and Values not only challenges students, educators and individuals to explore the characteristics that define the American identity and make the American experiment exceptional, but the Center encourages them to put these values and characteristics to work in their communities and workplaces, and in their everyday life. Just as its parent, Bellevue University stresses that students can learn and develop necessary skills at any stage of their life, the Center features programs that allow for a lifelong learning structure, from high school, through college and beyond.
Students who participate in the Center for American Vision and Values programs are given the opportunity to delve deeply into the philosophy and thought that contributed to the development of the American Success Story. They are asked to think critically about the American experience, how it has come to define their family and the world around them and this new era of American entrepreneurialism. They are challenged to put their understanding to work, contributing their excellence to the greater Omaha community and Bellevue University’s numerous corporate partners.
Among the Center for American Vision and Values Programs:
- High School Academy – In today’s educational curriculum, America’s founding ideals and individuals play only a small role. The Center for American Vision and Values has made it a priority to work with high school students nationwide, engaging and educating students on the core principles, beliefs and documents of America’s founding. The High School Academy conducts quarterly events, bringing in national leaders, celebrities and prominent individuals to interact with students and help them come to understand American Exceptionalism.
- The Civic Project – The Center believes that for American Exceptionalism and the idea of limited government to survive, America’s citizens must take the initiative to ensure their neighborhoods, cities and communities remain vibrant and healthy. If American citizens fail at this task, the temptation for government to interfere in violation of America’s founding principles is simply too great. To that end, the Center encourages every American, especially those in the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, to volunteer their time and do the important work of rebuilding America’s infrastructure and caring for their fellow citizens. Since it’s inception, the Civic Project has donated tends of thousands of hours to the improvement of the local Omaha community and beyond.
- Kirkpatrick Signature Series - Bellevue University believes in a complete education for all of its students, helping them to grow both as employees and entrepreneurs as well as as individuals. Bellevue University believes that the key to this is its series of capstone courses known as the Kirkpatrick Signature Series. Required of every Bellevue student, the courses give individuals the opportunity to delve deeply into the rich Western intellectual tradition and the American entrepreneurial heritage, exploring key values of the American identity. They will examine each value in depth in an environment designed to support rigorous debate, and guided by Bellevue University scholars.
For more information on any of these programs, and how you can get involved with the Center for American Vision and Values, please see the navigational buttons to the left. The Center is working to unlock the full potential of every American, and that means you!
