Why is civic education important?

Students need to know how our governments and communities work so they can succeed in school, graduate and become effective citizens and leaders.

Yet, children and youth face civic learning opportunity and achievement gaps.

• Today’s students know less about civics than other core subjects such as English, math and science.
• More than 1/3 of economically-disadvantaged, Hispanic and black students do not succeed in civics and related classes - graduation requirements - compared to less than 10% of white students.
• Across all demographics, students score lowest on questions about local and state government.

Why?

• Education trends and focus on testing in math, reading and science mean little civic education is offered before 10th grade
• Budget cuts give fewer learning opportunities to the students who need them the most
• Adult civic knowledge and interests vary - students aren't learning at home because some parents are uninformed, disinterested or too busy to care

One Charlotte organization is working to make a difference

GenerationNation, the home of the Kids Voting Mecklenburg election, Youth Voice, Youth Civics and other programs,  connects classroom education with community civic learning opportunities to help students in school (including K-12 goals in history, civics and language arts), increase civic literacy and develop effective citizens and leaders.

Launched in 1992 by former Charlotte Observer publisher Rolfe Neill with other civic leaders, GenerationNation/Kids Voting Mecklenburg was initially an annual mock voting event. As the organization heads into its 20th year in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and others in the community, GenerationNation is now an organization with a wider impact on K-12 civic education, citizenship and leadership.

In December 2011, Kids Voting Mecklenburg changed its name to GenerationNation.