We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Civic engagement training at a school for youth with a history of dropping out.
- Authors
Balcazar, Fabricio E.; Garcia, Marlen; Venson, Sheila
- Abstract
Community psychologists have made significant contributions to the study of civic engagement, yet scarce studies have examined the impact of civic engagement training among youth with a history of dropping out. We describe an effort to promote civic education and action through a curriculum implemented at an alternative school that focuses on (a) developing awareness of the importance of engaging in social/political issues; (b) increasing civic participation; and (c) acquiring political advocacy and organizing experience. This evaluation of the civic engagement training summarizes the issues students reported in a public presentation as having had an impact in their lives; their historical, political, and social understanding of the issues; the ways in which they used a variety of social media to communicate information to different audiences; and their engagement in civic actions to impact their selected issues. Overall, students became more aware of their role as citizens and voters and wanted to share their experiences with their peers, friends, and families. The implications of promoting civic engagement among youth with a history of dropping out of school are discussed, as well as the challenges of the training implementation. Highlights: It is critical to design meaningful sociopolitical learning experiences to help youth take action.Many students felt passionate to act due to the policies being proposed by the Trump administration at the time.Students learned they could make a difference and used social media to spread awareness to their peers.
- Subjects
TRUMP, Donald, 1946-; MUSIC education advocacy; SCHOOL dropouts; POLITICAL science; ALTERNATIVE schools; MINORITY youth; CIVICS education
- Publication
American Journal of Community Psychology, 2024, Vol 73, Issue 3/4, p461
- ISSN
0091-0562
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/ajcp.12727