High school juniors explore civic engagement through new ASU program

This summer, Arizona State University’s School of Politics and Global Studies launched a civic engagement program for a small group of Arizona high school juniors. The Belong & Engage seminar aimed to offer local students the chance to experience democratic processes, leadership opportunities and a taste of college life.

The program was designed after faculty observed that many incoming college students had limited opportunities to engage in civics, public service and leadership development in high school. They wanted to help students see themselves as active participants in their communities while introducing them to the study of political science.

“We have developed this unique program that invests in promising and talented young people who will carry the responsibilities of citizenship and leadership into the next quarter-millennium,” said Professor Güneş Murat Tezcür, also the School of Politics and Global Studies director.

After a competitive application process for the program in the spring semester, this inaugural group of 12 began their two-week experience in early June. The cohort included students from across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

They lived on campus, where they stayed in a residence hall, shared meals in the dining halls, navigated ASU’s Tempe campus and interacted with student leaders.

“This is a new experience to me and a new opportunity for me because I never stayed at a program that lasts two weeks and stayed in dorms before,” said Xavier Juarez, a participant in the Belong & Engage program.

During the day, they engaged in faculty-led sessions about democracy, civics and public service. Beyond the classroom, they participated in team-building activities and excursions across the state, including day hikes in Payson and meeting with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods.

Each activity offered students the chance to learn from local leaders, explore new environments and experience new places across Arizona. On their final trip, they spent time at the Arizona Capitol, meeting with senators and representatives across parties, touring the building and learning about state civics and politics.

The program culminated in a final showcase of their collaborative research projects for parents, faculty and staff. Students chose mission-oriented final projects that they will continue to work on throughout their senior year of high school.

Topics for their projects ranged from creating documentaries about dental care for neurodivergent people to solving the lack of shade structures during lunch breaks to building a website to break language barriers in the classroom.

“We were a small community together, and we really got to know each other, which was very impactful because we all helped each other with all our projects, and I absolutely loved that,” said Leila Lamadrid, a Belong & Engage student participant.

According to Kristin Cochran, an organizer of the program and a graduate teaching associate within the School of Politics and Global Studies, the students will continue to receive support for their projects throughout the fall semester.

“The biggest thing we want is to build a team around them,” she said at the final showcase event. “Mayors, senators and legislators are already willing to help them.”

Tezcür said he hopes that students left the program with a clearer sense of how they can make an impact and pursue leadership in their own communities. The students will continue to receive mentorship from ASU faculty and staff throughout their senior year as they make the transition from high school to college.

Tezcür added that he is “grateful to the visionary citizen who funded this unique program. Building on the success of this year, we are looking forward to welcoming many more students for the years to come.”

More information about the program can be found here: https://spgs.asu.edu/belong-and-engage