Students Across Massachusetts Convene for Civic Learning Competition

BOSTON – On Saturday, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute hosted the annual We the People competition, the culmination of a nationally acclaimed curriculum-based civic education program that helps students understand the history, philosophies, and evolution of constitutional government. The program was organized locally by the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education (MACCE), a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting civic education in our schools and communities.

“I am extremely pleased that the Institute and MACCE are working together for the promotion of civic education,” said Roger Desrosiers, president of the MACCE. “I look forward to creating more opportunities like this weekend’s convening for students and the public to become more civic minded.”

The Institute will also be working with MACCE to host a new Middle School Showcase where students share what they have learned from in-depth study of how government functions, as well as professional development workshops for educators and adult learning opportunities focused on the United States government.

“The students who came through our doors this weekend were inspiring,” said Mary Grant, president of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. “We are thrilled to host events and conversations like these that support our shared mission of encouraging knowledgeable and productive participation in our democracy.”

Saturday’s competition included 110 students from six schools across the Commonwealth. Students debated the principles embodied in the Constitution, and addressed larger questions from the philosophical and historical foundations of the American political system, to the challenges facing American Constitutional Democracy in the 21st century. Easthampton High School, the winning team from Saturday’s competition will participate in the 31st We the People National Finals in Washington, DC from April 27 through May 1.

About the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education

The Massachusetts Center for Civic Education is a private, nonprofit, non-partisan organization that promotes civic learning and engagement in Massachusetts public and private schools and communities. The MACCE believes proper citizenship education benefits communities by creating generations of responsible citizens who are educated in the principles of democracy and who learn the value of participating in local, state, and national government.

About the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in government, encouraging participatory democracy, and invigorating civil discourse. Through interactive exhibits, immersive educational offerings, and engaging programs in both Boston and Washington, D.C., the Institute engages students and visitors in a conversation about how each person can affect change at the community, local, and national levels. Learn more via emkinstitute.org.

###