Youth Connection Charter School Gives Lessons in Civics

Why The Vote? Curriculum readies students for historic election

CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS) has created Why The Vote?, a curriculum and set of activities which makes the political system relevant to young voters. YCCS is a high school which serves 3,500 students across 22 campuses in Chicago. The mission of YCCS is to advocate for, develop, and provide a world class education to high school dropouts, in partnership with the alternative high school community.

"Public charter schools face a significant funding deficit—they are expected to do more than a traditional public school with fewer resources," said Andrew Broy, President of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools. "I applaud this innovative curriculum as it gives meaningful real-world experience to young people who have, historically, been underserved by the system at large."

Why the Vote? focuses on the understanding of history, and the rights and responsibilities tied with voting, a critical component of educating young adults.

"The campaign's purpose is to educate and involve the two thousand plus YCCS students who are eligible voters — to discuss their concerns, ideas, and proposals relative to the main issues in the mayoral and aldermanic elections," said Will Caref, project leader for Why The Vote?. "The issues facing our students are race relations, violence, jobs for today and tomorrow, mass transit availability and cost, and education policy. This program shows them that their voices are needed in the larger political conversation."

Highlights of the campaign:

January 18, 2011: Roundtable discussion "Why the Vote?" involving YCCS students from several campuses and civil rights activists/leaders (videoed for YCCS campus)

January 25, 2011: YCCS Voter Registration Caravan — 4 Campuses, 4 panels/registration/education activities — all YCCS schools encouraged to make this a mass registration and education day.

February 16, 2011: Voter Education Symposium/ Candidates presentations and Q/A — at Innovations High School. Candidates are invited, special guests to be announced.

February 18, 2011: YCCS (10 campuses) Poetry Readings at UIC Hull House Museum — "Dear Mr./Madam Mayor…" Featuring some students from the Louder Than A Bomb Poetry Festival.

For information on Why the Vote? and events, contract Will Caref at 312-328-0799.

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is dedicated to improving the quality of public education by promoting and invigorating the charter school concept. The voice of the state's charter schools, INCS advocates for legislation to strengthen charter schools, educates the public about the value of charter schools, and supports the dissemination of best practices throughout the system.

SOURCE Illinois Network of Charter Schools