The national youth civics group CIRCLE (Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement) determined that only about half of registered voters aged 18–29 voted in the 2016 presidential election. It was against this backdrop that nearly 100 Sacramento area middle and high school students gathered on Saturday, May 13 to share their ideas for improving local civic engagement.
The second annual Civic Learning Showcase, held at the Sacramento State Alumni Center, highlighted more than 50 student projects from local middle and high schoolers. Students helped moderate a panel discussion and also spoke about their projects. A showcase of the local students’ civic education projects followed, including topics such as anti-bullying, gender discrimination, recycling, student mental health, and community safety.
The showcase was coordinated by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and supported by the Sacramento Civic Learning Partnership. The event, in collaboration with the Institute for Local Government, was designed to get students engaged in public service and work-based learning within their local communities. The California League of Women Voters also provided voting pre-registration information to teens who attended the event.
Civic Learning Showcase Participants
Participating schools are part of the Action Civics Initiative, which is funded by a grant from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation to help prepare young people to be engaged, responsible citizens in the 21st century.
Elk Grove Unified
- Monterey Trail High School
- Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School
Natomas Unified
- Natomas High School
Sacramento City Unified
- Arthur A. Benjamin Health Professions High School
- George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science
- Alice Birney Public Waldorf School
- Language Academy of Sacramento
San Juan Unified
- Rio Americano High School (two teams)
Twin Rivers Unified
- Rio Linda High School
- Rio Linda Preparatory Academy