26.7 F
Seattle
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Seattle Launches Youth Civic Engagement Program To Empower Next Generation Of Leaders

Mayor Bruce Harrell surround by student interns. photo of the Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP)to illustrate the City youth engagement more broadly.

By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium

The City of Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) has announced the launch of its Youth Civic Engagement Program (YCEP), a new initiative aimed at equipping high school students with the skills and knowledge to become leaders and advocates for change in their communities.

In response to increasing interest from young people for leadership and civic engagement opportunities, the program will offer policy education, advocacy training, and mentorship to participating teens. The inaugural cohort will welcome 20 students from high schools across Seattle, who will engage in monthly sessions from February to July 2025.

“Thinking about opportunities and ways to get folks more civically involved, we certainly have lots of city programs that are investing in the city of Seattle’s next generation of civic leaders,” said Derrick Wheeler-Smith, Director of the Office of Civil Rights.

- Advertisement -

“We’ve got the Seattle Youth Employment Program, Seattle Mentors program, a Seattle Youth Commission, and we feel like this is really kind of an addition to those programs,” he continued. “Developmental psychologists show that early civic engagement correlates with improved mental health, greater educational attainment, and higher income. The sooner and earlier you get young people involved, the more they can be not just voices but active participants in community growth and transformation. This program is about creating an opportunity for high school students to drive powerful change in their communities through policy and advocacy experiences.”

Students selected for the program will explore the local policy landscape, meet elected officials, learn how legislation is crafted, and develop advocacy skills around issues they care deeply about. The program also fosters connections among peers and young leaders, offering a platform for students to collaborate and grow.

“The strength of Seattle’s future lies in the passion and potential of our young people,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “With the launch of the Youth Civic Engagement Program, we are not only investing in the leadership of tomorrow but creating opportunities for our students to connect with their peers, understand our local government, and become advocates for the changes they wish to see.

“This program reflects our One Seattle values and commitment to empowering the next generation with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive,” added Harrell. “I look forward to hearing our young people’s ideas, creating space for them to inspire change in our communities, and seeing the impact this program has on their trajectory as individuals.”

- Advertisement -

The YCEP seeks to cultivate resilience, champion justice and equity, and prepare students to lead with purpose. By focusing on civic engagement, it aims to strengthen democracy and empower future leaders to shape Seattle’s communities for the better.

“Our young people are powerful leaders driving compassionate change we want to see in our world,” said Wheeler-Smith. “Investing in youth advocacy and civic learning experiences cultivates resiliency, strengthens democracy, and will build our young people up as champions for equity and justice for their communities.”

The program is open to all high school students in grades 9-12 who attend schools within Seattle city limits. Organizers will prioritize applicants with an interest in community engagement and advocacy, especially those with little or no prior civic engagement experience.

“Empowering young voices today shapes the leaders of tomorrow,” said Ted Howard, Accountability Officer for Seattle Public Schools. “By engaging in civic action, students learn about the world around them and help create the world they want to see.”

Applications must be submitted by February 2, 2025, no later than 11:59 p.m. Interested students can apply at seattle.gov/civilrights/public-participation/ycep.

Dr. Hajer Al-Faham, Policy Division Director at SOCR, emphasized the program’s broader impact.

“Every aspect of this program was designed to empower young people to become informed, engaged, and effective civic leaders,” Al-Faham said. “It is our belief that the next generation has the potential to shape a more just and vibrant democracy. We are committed to equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead with purpose and passion.”

Must Read

Understand Your Rights During Police Encounters

This post was originally published on Defender Network By Laura Onyeneho Can you remember your first experience with the police?  Law enforcement is meant to serve and protect, but for...