Summer Program Allows Waco's Youngest to Impact the Community
Education Solid Gold Neighbor
by Audra Atchley, Student Intern, External Affairs
It is not very often that you hear about a summer program designed to introduce children to the various components of good citizenship--much less one that does so in an exciting way--but iEngage Summer Civics Institute is doing exactly that for children here in Waco.
One of their young participants, Stratton McEachern, described what he learned during iEngage: "I learned what a citizen is. I learned about problems in our city and why we have these problems. I now know that I can be an advocate and make a difference." This unique experience teaches Waco area children the skills and knowledge necessary to promote their growth as active citizens and future community leaders. iEngage’s dedication to investing in Waco’s youngest citizens is what makes them a natural fit as a Solid Gold Neighbor.
The iEngage Institute is a summer camp put on by Baylor University that takes place over the course of five days. Each day focuses on a key topic related to developing its young participants' ability to identify community issues, create possible solutions and learn how to be an effective advocate. This experience does not just tell children about being good citizens; it shows them how to be good citizens through strategic activities and projects. Some of the items on this past summer's agenda included a mock trial led by a local judge at Baylor Law School, playing iCivics games and participating in a Community Issues Fair.
At the end of the week, students use their new knowledge and research throughout camp to develop and present their own advocacy project alongside a website for a specific community issue. Nancy McEachern, a parent of two iEngage campers, described their experience with the program:
"iEngage is a gift Baylor is providing to our city, the impact of which I believe we'll see for decades through the kids going through the program. [My kids] are certain that they have the ability and responsibility to be an advocate for those around them, become the faces of the leaders and advocates they learned about during the week, while having a blast, making learning fun!"
The iEngage impact is fundamental in the lives of our future leaders. We are so thankful for the program and staff commitment to mentoring our youngest leaders in such an impactful way. If you would like to learn more about this program and view past participant projects go to https://blogs.baylor.edu/iengage/ or email iCivics@baylor.edu.