What is Civic Champions?
CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT
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Middle and high school aged youth learn about the power of advocacy within the various levels of government, the “School-to-Prison Pipeline,” the systems of education, healthcare, and criminal justice, and form Youth Executive Committees that assist in helping to launch and or facilitate restorative practices in participating partner schools.
Outcomes
INCREASES IN CIVIC KNOWLEDGE
Students participating in Civic Champions engage in educational projects and experiences.
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Through our school-based and summer learning initiatives youth showed growth in understanding of critical systems and overall engagement in civics experiences such as:
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Site visits to city council meetings, legislative offices, and advocacy events.
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Youth-led “Activist Corner” sessions, addressing youth violence and mental health.
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Lobbying sessions with staff from Rep. Jamila Taylor and Sen. Claire Wilson’s office.
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By amplifying youth voices and equipping them with civic knowledge, our initiatives transform participants into conscious leaders and community connectors. They don’t just learn about systems—they shape them.
The comparative analysis of Civic Champions pre- and post-surveys reveals clear growth in:​
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Institutional knowledge, particularly of the executive branch and local government.
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Civic identity, including advocacy, confidence, and communication.
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Readiness for action, with greater likelihood to engage in voting, volunteering, or community initiatives.
Need for Civic Engagement Education
Civic Knowledge
According to the 2018 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Civics Exam, only 9% of Black students achieved proficiency in civics, compared to 31% of White students. This indicates a significant gap in civic knowledge between these groups
Interest in Political Leadership
Nearly 1 in 5 Black youth expressed interest in running for office, highlighting a strong inclination toward political leadership. However, many face barriers such as a lack of information and resources needed to participate effectively in civic activities.
Structural Barriers
Black youth often encounter systemic obstacles that hinder civic engagement, including under-resourced schools with limited civic education, voter suppression tactics, and reduced access to mentorship and civic opportunities.
Civic Champions Learn:
ADVOCACY
The power of advocacy in school and community
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GOVERNMENT
The 3 levels of government
(Federal, State, Local)
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CREATING POLICY
The basics of creating policies in local legislature
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RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
The power of restorative practices in traditional k-12 educational institutions
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