Scandera, Carney: Children key to fighting voter apathy – Daily Independent

By Hanna Skandera and Michael Carney

To restore faith in American democracy, both adults and children need civics lessons. In an era of political polarization and widespread civic illiteracy, an unlikely group is spearheading a movement to revitalize American democracy: middle school students.

Over 6,000 students in 28 states dedicated countless hours to prepare for this year’s National Civics Bee. Their enthusiasm highlights a critical gap in our education system and offers a potential solution.

The stark reality is that civics education in America has been neglected for decades. According to the Institute for Citizens and Scholars, only one-third of adults would pass the civics exam required for U.S. citizenship. Even more alarming, the Annenberg Public Policy Center reports that nearly one-fifth of Americans cannot name a single branch of government.

For the younger generation, the outlook is just as bleak. The 2022 Nation Report revealed that only 22 percent of eighth graders are proficient in civics.

There is growing recognition across the country that we are facing a civic crisis. From local initiatives to national programs, efforts are underway to revitalize civic education and promote basic democratic skills.

The National Civics Bee, launched in 2022 by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, is one of the most innovative responses to this challenge. This competition, modeled after the National Spelling Bee, tests middle school students on important concepts such as voting rights, the separation of powers, and key moments in American democratic history.

What sets Civics Bee apart is its nonpartisan, apolitical approach and ability to scale nationally in partnership with local chambers of commerce. In our time apart, these contests offer a refreshing focus on the core principles that unite us as a nation. What’s more, it’s not just about engaging students; entire families get involved by attending events and helping children prepare.

The impact of the Civics Bee extends beyond race day. This knowledge prepares them for a lifetime of active citizenship.

“Before the National Civics Bee, I thought maybe I could do a little volunteer work, but other than that, it was basically government work [to solve problems],” Washington state champion Benjamin Wu said in an interview in 2023. “But now I know there’s a lot that I and other people like me can do to help our community.”

As another tough election approaches, the importance of civic literacy cannot be overstated. Despite our differences, we are bound by a shared constitutional framework. It is extremely important that we, as a society, prioritize teaching these fundamentals.

The success of the National Civics Bee should serve as a call to action. We must support such initiatives, advocate for robust civics programs in our schools, and commit to improving our own civics. Educators, politicians and citizens must recognize that a well-informed population strengthens and revitalizes our democratic institutions.

Our democracy faces many challenges, from misinformation to apathy. But if we follow the lead of these civic-minded youth, we might just secure a brighter future for our republic. After all, an informed and engaged citizenry is the foundation of a thriving democracy.

Editor’s note: Hannah Scandera is president and CEO of the Daniels Fund and former New Mexico Secretary of Public Education. Michael Carney is president of the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcome [email protected].