Middle schoolers will become stronger in mind, body, and citizenship this summer at Civic U., a fun and democracy-focused spin on the summer academy experience.
Taking place at Moore Middle School in Lincoln from July 8 to Aug. 2, Civic U. participants will enjoy four weeks of daily civic leadership opportunities, career and college readiness programs, fun physical activities, and meaningful service-learning projects.
“Civic U. is a transformative summer academy that empowers and activates young people to be the change they wish to see in their communities,” said Kent Day, director of Civic Nebraska’s youth civic leadership programs.
The four-week academy is currently accepting applications from students who will be in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade this fall. It is broken into four areas of hands-on experience for students:
Civic leadership. Students engage with state and local governments, meet with elected officials, and gain an understanding of their democratic institutions. Civic U. participants also come away with a sense of their rights, responsibilities, and duties as Lincolnites and Nebraskans. Whether at the Capitol, the courthouse, or other government venue, students go deep to earn an appreciation of work being done for our democracy.
Service learning. Meaningful community service — and the understanding that we are all members of a larger community — are a big part of the Civic U. experience. Students plan and implement a relevant project in a collaborative, cooperative setting. Assignments, projects, and reflections on community service inspire students and give them lasting connections to their community, culture, and history.
Health and wellness. Healthy minds need healthy bodies. And it’s summer, after all — so Civic U. mixes daily games, challenges, and activities throughout the program. We offer fun physical activities throughout the program and combine them with lessons on nutrition and health. Summer is the time for healthy fun indoors and out and Civic U. will deliver the fun.
Career and college readiness. Our global economy calls for renewed attention to the readiness requirements for student success. Civic U. introduces middle-schoolers to a combination of technical and academic skills that will pay dividends as they prepare for high school, college, and beyond. Everywhere Civic U. students look this summer they will see career opportunities they may never have envisioned.
To sign up your student to have a Civic summer, click here.
Questions about Civic U.? Contact Kent Day, Civic Nebraska’s director of youth civic leadership programs.
