On Saturday, April 30, middle and high school students from 11 Sacramento-area schools gathered at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) to share their ideas for potential solutions to campus and community issues.
They were joined by students from Los Angeles via video conference to showcase their civic learning projects—and to ask questions of education and civic leaders. Sacramento students helped moderate a panel discussion and also spoke about their projects. A showcase of the local students' civic education projects followed, including topics like water conservation, student mental health, recycling, and neighborhood safety.
Sacramento discussion panelists included Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon; Roger Niello, California State Assembly Representative (retired); and Mindy Romero, Founder and Director of the California Civic Engagement Project. The Sacramento panelists were joined remotely from L.A. by California Secretary of State Alex Padilla; Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Arturo Delgado; Les Francis, Federal Policy Taskforce Chair, Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools; and representatives from Southern California schools.
The showcase was coordinated by SCOE Curriculum Specialist Frank Pisi and was supported by the Sacramento Civic Learning Partnership, co-chaired by David W. Gordon, Roger Niello, General Davie, and Hon. Ron Robie. Members and supporters of the partnership include June Coleman, Bob Dresser, Gary Hart, Alice Jarboe (Sacramento County Voter Registration); judicial representatives Hon. Lawrence Brown, Hon. Stacy Boulware Eurie, Hon. William Murray; and Jessica Zhang (S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation).
The Action Civics Initiative, funded by a grant from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, helps participating schools engage students in civics content and projects. The initiative prepares young people to be engaged, responsible citizens in the 21st century. For information about the Action Civics Initiative, email or phone Frank Pisi: (916) 228-2239.
Participating Sacramento-Area Schools
Elk Grove Unified School District
- Franklin High School
- Monterey Trail High School
- Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School
Natomas Unified School District
- Natomas High School
San Juan Unified School District
- Rio Americano High School
Sacramento City Unified School District
- Arthur A. Benjamin Health Professions High School
- George Washington Carver School of Arts & Sciences
- Alice Birney Waldorf-Inspired K-8 School
- Language Academy of Sacramento
Twin Rivers Unified School District
- Rio Linda High School
- Rio Linda Preparatory Academy