The DemocracyReady NY youth cohort program

is designed to support and amplify the voices of young people from urban, rural, and suburban districts across New York State as they engage in student-led inquiry and advocacy, and as they work in a multigenerational coalition alongside adult members to advocate for all New York students’ right to an education that prepares them for civic participation.

Youth Members Investigate Access to Civic Education in NY State

All students in New York have a right to an education that equips them for active, civically engaged lives, but what does that look like in practice? This school year, youth members of DemocracyReady NY set out to explore the state of civic education in their high schools. They surveyed students and teachers across New York State to better understand the challenges and disparities in access to quality civic learning opportunities. Join the DemocracyReady NY youth team, as they share what they discovered and how together we can take action to guarantee civic education access for all students.

Martine

“My favorite time has alway been connecting with students from different schools and parts of the state.”

Ashley

“Being a youth member has given me a well-rounded set of experiences and a support system that inspire me to continue growing my civic academic, personal, and career pursuits.”

Chyanne

“It has definitely made me have a larger more expansive view on the world, which I have really enjoyed. I think we talk so in depth about current initiatives that I can automatically point out the connections between the thinking behind policy and how that looks in classrooms and real-life scenarios.”

“