The doctoral thesis of Pāvels Jurs in pedagogy, in sub-sector school pedagogy: „The promotion of youth civic engagement in the pedagogical process”, developed in the Institute of Educational Sciences of Liepaja University, scientific advisor: Dr. paed. professor Alīda Samuseviča during the period from 2012 to 2016. The aim of the doctoral thesis is: through actualizing youth civic attitudes and prerequisites for the formation of civic engagement in the pedagogical process, to develop the theoretical approach of students` civic engagement formation and develop civic education programs. In the first part of the doctoral thesis, the theoretical analysis has been carried out, revealing the regularities of the formation of civic attitudes in the upbringing process, describing the theoretical aspects of civic education, civic upbringing, civic attitudes and civic competence. The theoretical analysis of civic engagement and the concept of youth civic engagement has been carried out; the psychological and sociological aspects of the formation of youth civic participation have been identified, the analysis of civic education and civic competence concepts has been carried out; the pedagogical components of youth civic competence has been clarified as well. The second part of the doctoral thesis reflects on the independently developed and carried out research program, in which the ninth grade students` civic competence has been identified. In the second stage of the research process the theory based civic education program for all grades (from 1 to 12) has been developed, as well as the curriculum for the youth civic engagement for grade 9 has been developed and approbated. The final part of the thesis contains the most significant conclusions of the study and provides recommendations for promoting youth civic engagement in the pedagogical process.