Applications now open for new civic education program for local teens
GULFPORT, Fla. – Applications are now open for the new summer program aimed at training underrepresented teenagers to advocate for themselves and others. The weeklong course is hosted by Stetson University College of Law, in partnership with Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.
The Youth Civic Engagement Program will run from July 19-24, 2021, and applications are available at: stetson.edu/law/youth-program. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2021. All student participants in the summer program will receive a financial stipend to facilitate their participation.
The course is designed for Pinellas County teenagers, between the ages of 15-17, considered underrepresented because of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, or school performance. A focus group of students helped identify curriculum topics, which could include:
- Self and Society
- Social Justice
- Gender Identity
- Sexual Orientation
- Poverty Law
- Race and the Law
- Human Rights
- Civil Rights
- Criminal Justice System
- Social Media and Society
While the class will be virtual this year due to the pandemic, it will still be highly interactive and feature Stetson Law faculty and students, as well as local judges and attorney volunteers. The summer session will serve as a pilot program for what officials plan to be a four-year effort.
Interested students must complete a short application, and all applicants will be reviewed and selected by a committee. In addition to Dean Michèle Alexandre, Professors Judith Scully, Christine Cerniglia, and Roy Balleste will lead the program. For more information or questions, please email [email protected].
“Youth civic engagement training is crucial at this time. Offering a program like this is one of the most valuable contributions philanthropic organizations and educational institutions such as Healthy St. Pete and Stetson Law can provide to the community,” said Stetson Law Dean Michèle Alexandre. “Stetson Law has longstanding expertise in teaching students to think critically and advocate for vulnerable groups. We believe that these types of programs can create a positive ripple effect for the participants, their families, schools and communities.”
Stetson Law officials recognized that, during the last 20 years, civics education and social action programming have decreased nationally. Students have little, if any, opportunity at the high school level to access the knowledge and tools they need to be advocates.
“There is a latent power in youth that is often overlooked. Racism takes a tremendous toll on our society and youth now see that in pronounced ways,” said Randy Russell, Chief Executive Officer at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. “By pursuing deeper understanding of their personal identities and their role in a society, it becomes easier to envision how to become change makers striving for race equity in the community and beyond.”
About Stetson University College of Law
Stetson University College of Law, Florida’s first law school, has prepared lawyers and leaders since 1900. Today, Stetson leads the nation in blending legal doctrine with practical training, evidenced by its top-ranked programs in advocacy and legal writing. Through its academically rigorous curriculum and commitment to social responsibility, Stetson produces lawyers who are ethical advocates ready to succeed in the legal profession.
About Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg is a private foundation serving the residents of South Pinellas County. Its goal is to improve population health by advancing racial and health equity by working at the county level with countywide systems, such as the school district, health department, and transportation system. The Foundation also works with more than 100 nonprofits and has invested over $21 million in the community over the last three years.
Post date: May 6, 2021
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
[email protected] | 727-430-1580