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
- Play an active role in school and civic policy and decision-making and co-creation
- Can find and are able to use good sources of news and civic information
- Build social capital, knowledge, experience, opportunity, and readiness for leadership and success into college, career, and civic life
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, civics704, student mock election “Kids Voting”, K-12 civic literacy curriculum, teacher professional development, NC Civics Coalition, and other initiatives that build civic literacy and leadership from an early age.
GenerationNation 2025-26 Impact
History
GenerationNation is the only Charlotte-based organization providing this service to K-12 students. Launched in 1992 by the Charlotte Observer, CMS, and other stakeholders as a mock election event called Kids Voting and led its expansion to Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and other places in NC. In the early 2000s our organization led local efforts for the NC Civic Index. With resulting stakeholder involvement, feedback, and support, the organization expanded the work to become GenerationNation in 2011-12.
GenerationNation now works year-round through expanded programming and deeper impact to educate and engage students in civic literacy and leadership.