The GRACE Project is Hope College’s initiative to cultivate the art of democratic deliberation — equipping students, faculty and communities to engage across differences with curiosity, integrity and mutual respect.

Rooted in Hope’s Christian mission and the Virtues of Public Discourse, GRACE invites participants into a shared practice of open inquiry and patient deliberation as we pursue truth together. 

Events & Lecture Series

GRACE hosts a civil discourse lecture series open to students, faculty and the broader Hope community. Events bring scholars, practitioners and leaders into conversation with the Hope community on topics related to democratic deliberation, viewpoint diversity and the practice of respectful public exchange.

Speaking of Democracy

Speaking of Democracy is the GRACE Project podcast. Focusing on civic life, this podcast offers students and community members a space to learn how communication shapes our democracy. Co-hosted by Dr. Sarah Kornfield and Hope College students, each episode features conversations with expert guests whose public scholarship provides insight into civil dialogue, democratic deliberation and the virtues of public discourse. This podcast equips the next generation of civic leaders with the practical skills needed to deliberate well and build community in a complex, polarized world.

Visit the Podcast

Tools for Civic Education

Sponsored by a FIPSE grant from the US Department of Education, Hope’s GRACE Project is specifically focused on promoting civil discourse by creating resources for colleges and universities across the United States. To that end, GRACE is developing resources for educators and institutions of higher education that can foster respectful debate and deliberation.

Resources for Faculty and Higher Ed

Recent News

• New Federal Grant Helps Hope College Launch GRACE Project, Hope College News, June 2026
• Dr. Kornfield Named GRACE Grant Project Director, Hope Communication Department Blog