About GenerationNation

GenerationNation develops a new generation of civic leaders. GenerationNation students build civic literacy, becoming civic leaders who:

• Know first-hand how their governments and communities work
• Understand and can discuss civic issues and different points of view
• Can intelligently find and use news and civic information
• Build social capital, knowledge, and experience for positive civic leadership and problem-solving, now and for the future

Programs

GenerationNation programs combine K-12 education and real-life experiences that help to narrow civic learning gaps, and include Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council, Youth Lead Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Student Advisor to the school board, Kids Lead, student mock election, K-12 civic literacy curriculum, teacher support, and other initiatives that build civic literacy and leadership from an early age.

History

GenerationNation is the only Charlotte organization providing this service to local K-12 students. Nearly 1 million Charlotte-Mecklenburg students have built and applied civic knowledge and skills through GenerationNation programs. Launched in 1992 by the Charlotte Observer, CMS, and other community stakeholders as a mock election event called Kids Voting, in the early 2000s our organization led local efforts for the NC Civic Index, and with resulting stakeholder feedback and support, our organization expanded our work to become GenerationNation in 2011-12.  GenerationNation now works year-round through expanded programming and deeper impact.

Impact

GenerationNation is a recipient of the American Civic Innovation Award and a national leader in K-12 civic education. Charlotte-Mecklenburg annual impact includes:

• Over 150 diverse student leaders from 40 high schools (includes 100% of CMS high schools) collaborate for 11,500+ hours of civic leadership, education, service, and social capital plus thousands of K-12 use the curriculum and get involved in civic learning experiences.
• 180 local schools served with hands-on civic literacy programming, standards-based curriculum, and teacher professional development
• As a result of their involvement, youth participants report they gain first-hand knowledge and experience about how the community works, develop skills for the future, expand personal networks and social capital to include adult community leaders and peers from different backgrounds, and play a role in transforming their schools and community for the better.