Schools, youth programs teach civics

Schools and youth programs are giving students practical ways to learn about civic life, from voting to public leadership. At Wilkes-Barre Academy, students elected student council representatives and learned about the voting process from former student Mike Harostock. Kentucky’s Youth Assembly lets students debate and pass mock legislation, while its youth governor and organizers say the experience encourages leadership and helps young people see themselves in public office. A University of North Carolina panel on teaching history emphasized stronger support and professional development for educators, while a Vietnamese program used theater to explain citizens’ rights and duties in national defense. Together, the efforts reflect different approaches to building civic knowledge and participation among young people.