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Researchers have theorized that programs to promote positive citizenship should begin with an opportunity for adolescents to participate in civic activities, such as community service or political volunteering. In this report, authors expand this theoretical perspective by arguing that programs to promote positive citizenship may need to begin by focusing on: social interactions in youths' lives, such as interactions with parents and peers; the environment in which youths live, such as neighborhoods and schools; and on promoting civic values. The authors hypothesize that these influences in early adolescence lead to civic engagement in late adolescence, and from late adolescence to young adulthood. A theoretical model from early adolescence to young adulthood is tested, incorporating insights from two previous studies of civic engagement. In a sub-analysis, authors examine the influence of ethnicity-related factors on civic engagement. Results conclude that: (1) Previous civic participation predicts future civic participation; (2) Social context influences youth civic engagement above and beyond previous civic participation; (3) Cultural context is important for policy makers and program developers to understand; (4) Promoting youths' values and goals could further promote youth and young adult civic behaviors; (5) More comprehensive measures of citizenship behaviors, attitudes and values should be created; and (6) There is not yet an understanding of how social capital promotes youth and young adult civic behaviors. (Contains 4 figures and 2 tables.) [The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) promotes research on the civic and political engagement of Americans between the ages of 15 and 25. Although CIRCLE conducts and funds research, not practice, the projects that they support have practical implications for those who work to increase young people's engagement in politics and civic life. CIRCLE is also a clearinghouse for relevant information and scholarship. CIRCLE is based in the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy.]