Each summer, educators from districts around the country engage in interactive workshops to deeply explore Mikva’s Action Civics pedagogy and process. Participants learn practical skills for improving student engagement and academic performance by harnessing the power of student voice, social emotional learning, authentic civic action and democratic classrooms and schools.
The Summer Institute is designed to be responsive to current demands on educators and administrators. Participants have the opportunity to learn from their peers, see examples of student voice in action, and work collaboratively with district teams to plan their own customized youth civic engagement and instruction plan. The Summer Institute features our highly regarded curricula including Mikva’s new Issues to Action units with added lessons on equity and engagement and news literacy. These lessons help students learn how to take informed action in their communities and the lessons will support teachers in guiding students through a high quality, project based learning process.
Participants choose one of three pathways at the Institute:
Educators new to Action Civics, or teachers who may have only participated in Project Soapbox.
Educators with some experience implementing Mikva Challenge curriculum beyond Project Soapbox who are interested in expanding the scope of their action civics instruction as well as refining their practice.
School and district leaders interested in developing a comprehensive plan to integrate Action Civics practices and programs across schools and across disciplines.
Held a day before the Institute, participants observe Mikva students in action. Learn about Mikva’s Youth Policy Councils and visit them during their “Think Tank Summer” process. Then debrief and create your own vision for utilizing youth voice for policy change in your schools, neighborhoods, organizations and cities.
