Students Transforming Civics Education
Student Voices, Civic Choices
A podcast series that brings together students, educators, policymakers, and leaders to make better sense of the world of civic education. Taking a step back from high-level headlines, we amplify authentic, youth perspectives that deserve more attention and hope to contribute to the momentum around student leadership in civic engagement. This podcast is hosted by Sean Lester and Kyle Park at YCIC.
#1 - Learning and Doing: A Conversation with Abhi Boda
Do conventional standards of success hold true for civic engagement? What are misconceptions about youth activitsts, especially at the college level? How do you balance genuine learning and the actual "doing" in civic activism?
Abhi Boda, a student leader at Stanford University, sits down with Sean and Kyle to discuss his civic journey, leadership experiences, and insights on rallying fellow peers. Abhi is studying Symbolic Systems and is actively involved with the Asian American Students Association, Democracy Day, and the Pre-Law Society on campus.
#2 - Flywheel of Change: A Conversation with Mert Karabiyik
What effect can we have by framing STEAM education as a powerful tool for civic engagement? How can curriculum development not only train technical coders and engineers but create ethical innovators with robust civic skillsets? And perhaps more importantly––once the flywheel starts turning, how can young leaders sustain successful models of change?
Mert Karabiyik, a student activist leading the West Coast team at Young Global Impact (YGA), sits down with Kyle to discuss his path to student activism and insights on leveraging STEAM education to promote civic responsibilities. Mert is studying Economics and Computer Science at Stanford, exploring the intersection of technology, investing, and philanthropy.
#3 - Global Perspectives: A Conversation with Matej Čačík
How do we restore trust and respect for credible news sources in an environment of increasing noise and disinformation? With AI and information overload, how do we navigate healthy skepticism vs. exaggerated scrutiny? Where are the key overlaps/differences in civics education actvism between Europe and the US?
Matej Čačík is the founder of Krupica, a Slovakia-based nonprofit supported by NATO to fight disinformation and promote youth civic literacy. He sits down with Kyle to discuss his initial motivations to build something from scratch, unique theory of change, and takeaways from when things did not go his way. Matej is studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Central European University.
Check out Krupica @ krupica.sk (Website) & krupica.oztko (Instagram)
#4 - Youngest in the Room: A Conversation with Ishaan Savla
How do we bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practical, real-world skills that students actually need? How can students begin their civic journeys through local government? What are effective ways to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with being the youngest voice in the room?
Ishaan Savla is a high school student at Dougherty Valley High School who is actively involved in local government with Contra Costa County and the San Ramon School District. He is also the founder of Finpowrd, integrating hands-on personal finance education into classroom learning. Ishaan shares his early experiences with civic engagement, insights on connecting education and policy, and key support systems that have guided him along the way.