Pulaski County High School rising sophomore Ellie Peterson has been selected as one of only 35 students nationwide to participate in the iCivics Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship (ECYF).
Selected from a pool of 340 applicants for the program, Peterson will join a talented group from around the country to think globally, act locally, listen to others, and build coalitions. Fellows utilize their lived experiences to shed light on how civics education can include student voices and become more equitable. The group is committed to researching issues of equity in civic education in school communities and addressing policies and practices related to their civic learning experiences.
The fellowship Peterson will be involved in is a paid opportunity for youth to lend their voice to the public discussion on civic education. It runs for 10 months, from August 2023 to May 2024, and provides leadership opportunities for students, including civic and media workshops, how to articulate and share youth perspectives on civic education; and showcasing youth civic learning experiences.
The 35 students will be expected to seek engagement from peers and others in their local communities. As a part of the fellowship, Peterson will be expected to create and distribute a youth survey to gather perspectives of her peers; create and publish a digital media project (blog, slideshow, infographic, video, etc.) on a civic learning issue present in the community; collaborate with other fellows to create a public service announcement on the state of civic education from a student’s perspective; and lead, build, and participate in various social media activities. She will be expected to commit at least 5-10 hours per month on the program requirements while adhering to the student code of conduct in order to receive her stipend throughout the program.
Now in its fifth year, the ECYF works with students from across the country to build civic leadership skills and explore how civic education can become more relevant to all youth in the country. Students involved will also attend an in-person gathering in Washington, DC, from September 28 through October 1, 2023.
The program was originally founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she retired from the United States Supreme Court in 2006. After nearly 25 years on the bench, her goal was to transform civic education for every student in America with innovative, engaging games, activities, and resources to fuel engagement in civics for young people.
Peterson, who enjoys drama and band at PCHS, is the daughter of Scott and Keri Peterson of Pulaski.