Madeline Cherry
Research Mentor: Denise Jones
Mentor Department: Combined Program in Education and Psychology (CPEP), Education
Author(s): Denise Jones, Madeline Cherry
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 120
Abstract
Youth civic engagement is a critical component of democratic participation, yet many adolescents report limited knowledge of local civil issues and low levels of community involvement. This study examines the impact of a youth civil leadership program on participants’ civil knowledge, awareness of community issues, and levels of civic engagement. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research analyzes pre- and post- program survey data collected from participating teens, alongside a review of the program’s curriculum map to contextualize instructional content and learning objectives. Pre-program survey results indicated that many participants had limited awareness of local issues affecting their communities, low rates of civic participation, and minimal familiarity with taking initiative in issues that they think should change. Following completion of the program, post-survey responses demonstrated notable increases in self-reported civic knowledge, understanding of community-level civil issues, and engagement in civic behaviors such as discussion and advocacy. These changes align closely with the program’s curriculum, which emphasizes experiential learning, research-based inquiry, and youth-centered approaches to civic leadership. Overall, the findings suggest that youth civil leadership programs can play a meaningful role in fostering civil literacy, engagement, and a sense of agency among adolescents, highlighting the value of intentional civic education as a tool for empowering youth as informed and active community members.
