At NJYCC, we believe that the core of our work must be to continue to welcome people together to build strong community and dialogue around civic learning. We want to build on successes and grow the voices assembled around the table to include more individuals and organizations representing students, parents, educators and others with a perspective (and not just those identical to our own) to generate dialogue and debate, and to build connections.
Read MoreWe each have different skills and experiences to bring to solving problems and making our communities better. Students discussed how, whether it is critical thinking skills, the ability to connect with young children, passion about the environment, or working with your hands, there are always ways to use our talents for good.
Read MoreThe Citizenship & Civic Engagement Program (CCE) provides opportunities for undergraduate students to combine academic pursuits with on-the-ground community engagement, research, and action. Each student pursues a unique course of study based on the social issues that mean the most to them and spends time working with community organizations and local governments to make an impact.
Read MoreLast week the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, or CIRCLE, published their report on youth voter engagement in the 2020 election. While we saw a likely historic level of youth voter turnout, a closer look suggests needed improvements in electoral administration and outreach.
Read MoreAll students must be provided excellent in-depth civic education that equips them with the tools to address the challenges before our nation today from misinformation and polarization to racial injustice. That will require an honest accounting of all aspects of our history—the tremendous ideals espoused in our founding documents along with the ugly failures —so that all students can hear the voices of those who have not traditionally been featured in history books.
Read MoreAt moments in our history when the need for [the] commitment to improve upon ourselves is even more great it has been engaged young citizens that have led us.
Read MoreWhat started as a desire to teach our boys more about citizenship and civic engagement has turned into a passion for doing what we can to equip all young citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to make the changes they hope to see in their communities. Based on what we have seen so far, they are poised and eager.
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