As Californians prepare for upcoming elections that could have a significant impact on the youth, a group of foundations in California has come together to establish a fund aimed at enhancing the role of public schools in fostering civic leadership and democratic engagement.
The California Thriving Youth Initiative, led by nearly a dozen foundations, has been launched to support the learning, leadership, and well-being of adolescents in California. The Purpose of Education Fund at the Stuart Foundation kickstarted the effort with an initial investment of $30 million, which will be managed by the California Community Foundation based in Los Angeles.
Jesse Hahnel of the Crankstart Foundation, another participant in the initiative, emphasized the importance of youth participation in democracy, noting that young people will be impacted by governance decisions for longer periods than any other demographic.
While historically, young people have shown lower voter turnout compared to older age groups, recent years have seen an increase in youth engagement in the electoral process. For example, in the 2020 elections, 47% of 18- to 24-year-olds in California voted, a significant improvement from previous years.
Kathryn Bradley from the Stuart Foundation highlighted the need for a broader approach to civic education beyond traditional classes, emphasizing the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage in democracy actively.
In recent years, innovative approaches to civic education have emerged, such as the “State Seal of Civic Engagement” in California, which allows students to showcase their civic education achievements on their high school diplomas. While the number of students earning this seal has increased, there is still room for growth to reach more students across the state.
A national survey revealed that a majority of high school students express a desire to contribute to society positively, but many feel they lack the necessary skills to do so effectively. Disparities in civic readiness were also observed based on students’ backgrounds and parents’ education levels, indicating the need for more inclusive civic education practices in schools.
Several schools in California have implemented civic education initiatives that empower students from diverse backgrounds to engage with their communities actively. From advocating for social change to addressing local issues like homelessness, students are demonstrating a strong interest in civic participation.
In addition to promoting civic engagement, the foundation partnership is launching a “Youth Thriving Through Learning Fund” to help adolescents in California pursue their career goals and engage meaningfully in civic life. This initiative aims to support students in building the future communities they will inhabit.
As public institutions face challenges, it is crucial to provide young people with the support they need to become active and informed citizens. The collaborative efforts of various foundations underscore the commitment to empowering youth and preparing them for the responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.
