How can young adults be civically engaged? The role of academic achievement standards in enhancing civic and social engagement in the case of South Korea

Despite studies emphasizing the economic and social benefits of achieving basic skills, the association between academic achievement standards (AAS) and civic and social engagement (CSE) remains underexplored. This study uses nationwide longitudinal survey data from Korea to examine whether high school students who met AAS exhibit increased CSE in adulthood. Findings indicate that meeting certain AAS levels correlates with greater CSE, though the threshold varies by subject; young adults who attained the Proficient level in reading or the Basic level in mathematics present higher CSE. These results highlight the importance of setting and ensuring adequate AAS thresholds to foster citizenship. •Academic achievement standard (AAS) is a good predictor for high-level civic and social engagement (CSE).•Different levels of AAS were required in each reading and mathematics for each element of CSE.•The minimum AAS for significant difference in CSE can differ among different subjects and context of each country.