High Schools with Highest Civic Engagement from Students Will Receive Investments from Victoria
NEWARK, N.J. – The Newark Board of Education and the Victoria Foundation today announced an exciting partnership to empower Newark public high schools, both district and charter, to boost civic engagement among students in the upcoming school board election in which eligible 16- and 17-year-old students will be able to vote for the first time. As part of the initiative, the Victoria Foundation will award cash investments to the three high schools that demonstrate the highest levels of student-led civic engagement, such as voter registration drives, civic education programs and leadership initiatives.
“This historic election provides public schools a unique opportunity to strengthen civics education and encourage student engagement,” said Superintendent León. “Beyond policy change, this is about empowering young people to be active participants in their community. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the Victoria Foundation to support schools in fostering civic learning and leadership among students.”
Superintendent León said the goal is to encourage at least 3,000 students in Newark’s high schools to register by the March 25 deadline.
“The Victoria Foundation is committed to civic education and participation. We want to see young people understand and exercise their right to vote,” said Craig Drinkard, Executive Officer of the Victoria Foundation. “That’s why we will make substantial investments in the three Newark high schools with the highest levels of civic engagement, such as voter registration drives and educational programs. The first-place school will receive $15,000; the second-place school will receive $12,000; and the third-place school will receive $10,000. These funds can be used for any school-related purpose that supports further civic involvement and student growth.”
When the Newark City Council voted unanimously last year to allow 16-and-17-year-olds to vote in school board elections, about 6,600 Newark students gained the right to vote – over 91% of whom are Black, Latina/o or from other communities of color. With this expansion of democracy, young people will have a say in who makes the rules that directly affect their lives every day.
“School Board elections define the course of our efforts to educate our youth, and in turn define the future of our city,” Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. “That is why we want our youth to have an active voice in charting this course, by empowering them with the vote. The Victoria Foundation’s competition is a dynamic effort to energize and motivate our youth to engage civically and participate in this election. I thank them for partnering with the Newark Board of Education on this engagement and look forward to it resulting in a high youth turnout on School Board Election Day.”
“Before voter registration closes on March 25, I am encouraging principals at each Newark high school to hold assemblies or other events to educate, register and excite 16-and-17-year-old students to vote in this historic school board election,” said Superintendent León. “That engagement will include making a voting plan for following through to cast a ballot.”
Schools will earn points through a “Civic Engagement Score Sheet” based on activities that promote civic education and participation, such as voter registration drives, assemblies, student-led initiatives and other nonpartisan civic engagement efforts. A neutral committee, comprised of community leaders, education professionals and representatives from nonpartisan organizations will review school submissions using a fair scoring system. The top three schools with the highest civic engagement scores will receive funding from the generosity of the Victoria Foundation.
The contest is not affiliated with any candidate or political party.
About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 40,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.