In Their Own Words: Students and Parents Talk CivicWeek

CivicWeek students

Here at Talent Talk, we often discuss ways to engage gifted students in advanced academic programs But did you know that CTD also offers opportunities for motivated teens to explore the world of service learning? The Civic Education Project (CEP) involves diverse groups of high school students in service-learning programs to learn about social issues in major cities across the U.S. Offered over spring break weeks, CivicWeek integrates hands-on service while allowing students to explore public interest careers. Each CivicWeek experience is unique, and offers opportunities for students to not only develop their individual talents, but to apply their skills and passions to make a difference in the world. Here is what alumni Mitchel Harris had this to say about his experience in CivicWeek: Law & Criminal Justice in Chicago last year:

“The experience was truly life altering as it opened my eyes to the societal ills that have yet to be addressed. That week instilled in me a desire to create awareness in my community. The experience also forced me to break out of my comfort zone and approach subjects I thought were sensitive. The opportunity to have sophisticated conversations with like-minded peers allowed me to become more outgoing and experience a new feeling of community among people my age. …My CivicWeek experience, coupled with my desire to share knowledge and create change, motivates me to gain new awareness and more ideas to improve my community.”

Parents also appreciate the impact that CivicWeek has on their children. Marcy Goldsmith, whose daughter participated in the Education Policy & School Reform CivicWeek in Chicago last year, shared this:

“Our drive back to Cincinnati yesterday was filled with so many insights, observations and highlights that she had from the program…. The week was jam-packed with experiences that she would not have had in any other way, but that were essential to building a broader view of the world in which (sadly) most children are growing up in today. The evenings were filled with discussions and positive energy about what her generation can do to help. The comments from her peers in her “bag of love” that she shared with me also were quite touching and demonstrated the bond they created in that short time-span. We look forward to having her and our other children participate in additional CEP programs in the future.”

CivicWeek 2012 programs explore Public Health, Law & Criminal Justice, Education Policy & School Reform and Politics & Urban Development in Chicago, New York and Washington DC. If these topics would excite a bright teen in your life, have them apply today!  Applications are due February 15. Dates, additional information and the CivicWeek online application can be found on the Civic Education Project’s website. Has your gifted student participated in service-learning? What did they most enjoy about the experience?