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The President's Award For Civic Engagement (PACE) - S. 495/H.R 8458

A bill that we wrote in the United States Congress to increase student civic engagement across the country

Interested in writing a bill? Leading your own campaign? Or even just learning more? As one of our organizers, you'll have access to countless resources to accomplish changes within your community and even get the chance to participate in our nationwide campaigns! We'll make sure to keep you updated with info and opportunities to fight for voting rights.

46%

of young American voters actually turn out to vote, compared to ~80% in democratic nations like Sweden and Denmark

Interested in writing a bill? Leading your own campaign? Or even just learning more? As one of our organizers, you'll have access to countless resources to accomplish changes within your community and even get the chance to participate in our nationwide campaigns! We'll make sure to keep you updated with info and opportunities to fight for voting rights.

WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO

Our bill establishes the President’s Award for Civic Engagement (PACE) under the U.S. Department of Education’s President’s Education Award Program (PEAP) to recognize youth between grades 5-12 for exemplary civic engagement and leadership.

1. Establishing the President’s Award for Civic Engagement (PACE) under the U.S. Department of Education’s President’s Education Award Program (PEAP) to recognize youth between grades 5-12 for exemplary civic engagement and leadership.
2. Establishing national criteria for civic achievement measured according to the following principles:

  • Participation in informed federal, state, or local civic project(s) or activities that address topical issues and require students to identify and inquire into tangible civic needs, consider diverse perspectives, take action, and reflect on efforts;

  • Active, demonstrated competency in understanding federal, state, and local government institutions; the role of citizens in a constitutional democracy; tribal government structures and organizations; and democratic principles, concepts, processes, and means to stay engaged. 

  • Concrete understanding of and knowledge regarding the history, principles, and foundations of American democracy. 

  • Exemplary demonstration of civic-mindedness, community leadership, and a commitment to positively impact the classroom, school, community and/or society.

Interested in writing a bill? Leading your own campaign? Or even just learning more? As one of our organizers, you'll have access to countless resources to accomplish changes within your community and even get the chance to participate in our nationwide campaigns! We'll make sure to keep you updated with info and opportunities to fight for voting rights.

OVERVIEW

Existing programs, such as the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) and the U.S. Department of Education’s President’s Education Award Program (PEAP), recognize youth for community service and academic excellence or achievement. However, no programs within the United States nationally recognize youth for civic engagement, leaving the work youth do for elections, advocacy, public policy, public service in administration and appointed positions, campaigns, and more unrecognized. 

Understanding that civic engagement and participation are vital aspects to a functioning American democracy, we hope to develop a federal program to recognize youth excellence in governmental affairs. The President's Award for Civic Engagement, or PACE, would recognize graduating elementary, middle, and high school students (grades 5-12) who display exemplary civic leadership in their communities. 

YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

Despite historic voter turnout in the 2018 and 2020 elections, the reality remains that about half of 18-29 year-olds do not vote in elections. Due to a lack of focus on the ways that youth can interact with their democracy, there are few well-known opportunities for students to become involved in the democratic process. 

According to Tufts University, only 42-44% of voting-eligible young people ages 18-29 casted a ballot in the 2016 presidential election, this age demographic comprising only 13% of those who voted during the election despite constituting 20% of the American population. Almost double this proportion, voters over the age of 65+ comprised 27% of the electorate during that election, while only constituting 15% of the American population. Turnout increased to 52%-55% in 2020, still only representing a little over half of the youth population, indicating that young people are systemically underrepresented in the American political landscape. Additionally, historically, student turnout levels tend to dip during municipal and midterm elections. 

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