Leo Veatch, 11th Grade

Colorado

Why did you want to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow?

I wanted to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow to improve learning in civics classrooms across America. Civics is one of my favorite classes. I believe that every student should have access to a civics course that adequately prepares them for the civic responsibilities that they will enjoy as adults.

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

One of my biggest inspirations in civics is John Jay, a man who felt such devotion to his country that he served in the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches under three separate national governments. He greatly aided the adoption of the Constitution as a staunch Federalist, served as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and never swerved from his civic duties. 

How can students, teachers, and others support the Fellowship?

Others who would like to support the ECYF can do so by voicing their opinions at the local level and by vocally encouraging school boards and other elected officials to place a greater emphasis on civic education.

Sarah Rivera Rivera, 11th Grade

Virginia

Why did you want to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow?

I wanted to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow because I wanted to become civically engaged, but I didn’t understand how I could do so. A teacher had emailed me this opportunity to try out. After reading the description provided, I became really excited about the possibilities that could arise with this Fellowship. I saw myself in a different light, as someone who could make a difference in the world around her, and I realized that this Fellowship would be a stepping stone to reach that ambitious goal.

How has the Fellowship impacted your growth toward being civically-engaged?

Being able to hear from students in communities that are entirely different from mine and how they’ve been able to become civically-engaged has been such a great experience. I’ve also gained a newer appreciation for civic engagement and the number of opportunities present in my location. Living so close to D.C. has allowed me to gain various perspectives. But hearing from other Fellows discuss how much they would like to see what I have available has let me know that I need to take greater advantage of the resources I have right in front of me.

What have you learned so far in your time with the Fellowship?

There is little to no national equity for civic education! I knew prior that this was an issue, but not to the extent that I have been able to observe through the different perspectives of my Fellows. I had grown up with the concept that education is the great equalizer. However, I found out that civic education standards aren’t even recognized in many areas across the nation, limiting future generations’ success in being civic participants.

Milan Shah, 9th Grade

California

What are you most excited about with this Fellowship?

I’m most interested in seeing positive changes in my community. I hope that my projects will help support my community. I’m also interested in meeting mentors in my community and across the country.

How did meeting Fellows from across the country help develop your perspective?

Meeting other Fellows really helped me see what communities are like on the East Coast and other parts of the country. This is particularly interesting to me because I live on the West Coast.

Why is it essential to have student-led opportunities available for students, like the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship?

I've realized how important it is to harness the power of youth and how it can make positive changes. Typically young people are overlooked. However, in this cohort, we are working together and supporting each other.

Georgia Bullard, 10th Grade

Washington

Why did you want to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow?

I wanted to learn ways to be more involved in my community and become a better leader. I am also really excited to be working with people from around the country to fix common problems in civic education.

Why is it essential to have student-led opportunities available for students, like the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship?

When students are in charge of things and can make them their own, they work toward making everything better for themselves and their peers. It also shows adults that kids care about topics like civic education.

What have you learned so far in your time with the Fellowship?

I have learned how different schools and classrooms across the nation have the same issues as my community, yet so many are different. I have also learned that there is a nationwide lack of civic education and funding.

Sophie Schmidt, 12th Grade

Mississippi

What are you most excited about with this Fellowship?

I am most excited to learn viable and effective ways to spread awareness about different topics in my community. Informing and educating people on political regards is key to building a democratic society. I look forward to learning ways to achieve this.

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

My biggest civic inspiration is Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez because as a fellow Latina, seeing a young Latina woman like myself be so successful and driven to help the country inspires me to become more involved in civics.

How has the Fellowship impacted your growth toward being civically-engaged?

The Fellowship has allowed me to realize that I can make an impact in the world. Whether it’s my local community, school, or state, there are many available tools I can take advantage of to be more civically-engaged and also motivate others.

See the full list of Fellows

Through the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship, the perspectives of high school students throughout the country contribute to the public conversation about civic education in the United States. Each contributor represents their own opinion. We welcome this diversity of perspectives.