The PNA Foundation encourages members to become more involved with youth voting initiatives. Below are resource links to many state and national Web sites that provide programming tools for engaging youth in the civic and voting process. Your participation in any youth voting initiatives for 2006 Pennsylvania elections is strongly encouraged.
If your newspaper has participated in youth voting initiatives in past elections, the Foundation wants to know about these programs and share your experiences with other member newspapers. We are asking for a brief description of your program including: program partners; which elections (presidential, gubernatorial, local) are included in your program; highlights or links to archived stories regarding your program(s).
If you have any questions about this request feel free to contact Manager of Outreach and Partnerships Janet Bevan, (717) 703-3004.
- Vote With a Vet
Created in 1999 by Governor Tom Ridge, Vote With a Vet is a unique program designed to encourage voter participation in Pennsylvania. The program is conducted by the Pennsylvania Departments of State, Education, and Military and Veterans Affairs. The goals of this program are to encourage voter participation among our high school voting-age youth, as well as to teach them about the sacrifices our veterans have made, and continue to make, so that we may live in a democratic society. - Pennsylvania Student Mock Election
The Student Mock Election Program, begun in 1988, is held every two years as an attempt to educate school-age youth about the voting process by having them participate in a mock election throughout the Commonwealth and vote for offices such as President and Vice-President or Governor and Lieutenant Governor. - National Student/Parent Mock Election
The National Student/Parent Mock Election makes students and parents aware of the power of their ballot by actively involving them in a full-fledged campaign and national election.
Special section: How Can the Media Become a Partner in the National Student/Parent Mock Election? - Kids Voting USA
A national leader in civic education, Kids Voting USA® (KVUSA) gets students involved and ready to be educated, engaged citizens. Students learn about democracy through a combination of classroom activities, an authentic voting experience and family dialogue. - The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania: Kids Around Town
Kids Around Town (KAT) takes citizenship education across all subject areas and into your local community! Students and teachers throughout Pennsylvania use this dynamic, hands-on approach to learn the skills they need to address real issues in their schools and neighborhoods. - Youth Vote Coalition
Special guide: Best Practices: Nonpartisan Guide on Voter Mobilization - Youth Leadership Initiative
With the touch of a button, students leap into the world of politics through the civic education resources of the Youth Leadership Initiative. YLI jump-starts a lifetime of civic engagement for the next generation by creating innovative technology-based projects that bring the American democratic process to life in your classroom.- Internet Mock Election Each fall, students vote online for real candidates and elections using state-of-the-art cyber ballots.
- A More Perfect Union Students manage a U.S. Senate campaign and try to win using strategic media, polling, scheduling and issue tactics.
- e-Congress YLI's e-Congress allows students to simulate the role of a representative in the United States Congress, by researching and drafting legislation, debating it in legislative committees and voting along with thousands of other students across the country. Students may also use the YLI Web site to connect with congressional leaders, to share ideas and request expertise, and to explore the role of interest groups in the legislative process.
- YLI Lesson Plans YLI offers a rigorous teacher-developed academic curriculum that is based on each state's unique academic standards in history, social studies.
