Texas is falling short in providing young people, particularly those from minority communities, with the necessary education to understand and participate in the voting process. This lack of support means many people are unfamiliar with the complexities of voting, such as registering, finding polling places, and understanding ballot measures. As a result, these communities may feel disconnected from the political process and less likely to vote. This disengagement can lead to a cycle where politicians neglect the needs of these communities, further eroding their trust in the democratic system.
The main goals of the civics education reform are to increase civic engagement, voting culture, and government participation. Several programs and initiatives in Houston focus on creating an avenue for Black and Brown youth to engage in the political process.
One such initiative is Rice University’s High School Civic Engagement Internship Program, which was launched earlier this year. In partnership with the League of Women Voters Houston, this program offers students hands-on experience organizing civic activities within their schools. According to Professor Melissa Marschall, who supervises the program, the internship aims to provide students with skills contribute to their understanding of civic responsibility.
“Students learn planning, organizing, communication, and outreach skills,” Marschall said. “They have to write letters, recruit people, and even present their ideas to groups, giving them a range of skills crucial for civic engagement.”
These practical experiences extend beyond the classroom. Students collaborate with local organizations and government offices, such as the Harris County Clerk’s Office, to understand the inner workings of civic events like voter registration drives. The program allows students to engage with their peers and puts them in contact with public service professionals, helping students envision how they can impact on a larger scale.
The program’s early success has led to discussions with Aldine ISD and Alief ISD to build similar partnerships after the 2024 election cycle.
What are some challenges?
One of the challenges Houston public schools face when teaching civic engagement is overcoming the political polarization that often clouds discussions around government and elections. According to Marschall, teachers sometimes fear that discussing civic issues could be seen as pushing a partisan agenda. This fear often results in students being presented with abstract or outdated information that doesn’t relate to their daily lives, making it harder for them to connect with the material.
“Young people don’t want to talk about it in the abstract. They want to know how civic engagement applies to them today, how they can get involved right now, and why their voices matter,” Marschall said. “Without these real-world connections, students may lose interest in civic participation, which can contribute to the broader problem of low voter turnout among younger generations.”
Odus Evbagharu, chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, shares Marschall’s concerns about the lack of relatable civic education for students.
“Civic engagement starts with education, and right now, the system is falling short,” Evbagharu said. “We’re seeing a complete lack of civics education in our schools, and this isn’t by accident.”
He pointed to the underfunding of public education in Texas, where the state ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil spending.
“Our students are being shortchanged, and that especially impacts Black and brown communities,” Evbagharu added.
Evbagharu also believes that education must be tailored to reflect the unique experiences of Houston’s diverse student population.
“Many Black students don’t see their history or present reflected in their learning. If we can’t make civics personal and relevant, we’ll lose a generation of voters.”
Programs and initiatives
The League of Women Voters Houston regularly partners with high schools to conduct voter registration drives, ensuring that eligible students can exercise their right to vote once they turn 18. Their efforts focus on equipping students with the knowledge they need to participate in local and national elections.
The Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) has also taken strides in promoting civic engagement among young people. Their Youth Leadership Program integrates civic education into its curriculum by hosting workshops and forums that teach students the importance of voting and political participation.
The Black Voters Matter Fund has also actively mobilized young Black students across Houston. The organization holds school-based events emphasizing voting power in addressing issues that disproportionately impact Black communities, such as criminal justice reform, economic inequality, and education funding.
Evbagharu praises these local initiatives, particularly Black Voters Matter’s efforts, for creatively engaging young people.
“If we’re going to get Black youth excited about civic participation, we need to meet them where they are. Using public figures like athletes and artists to speak to students can go a long way,” he said, pointing to the NBA’s decision to turn arenas into voting centers as a prime example.
Avery Spranger, Civic Engagement Coordinator for the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), is another local leader working to make civic education a year-round endeavor. Spranger acknowledges that Texas is amidst a civic education crisis but believes promising solutions exist.
“There are many people across educational institutions trying to step up and provide students with opportunities to get the information and experiences they need,” Spranger said. “It’s not only about registering to vote; it’s about learning to stay involved throughout the year.”
Spranger is leading an innovative program at Chavez High School, training students to act as “trusted messengers” of civic education in their communities.
“Next week, my students will present what they’ve learned to their parents because they are trusted information messengers,” she shared. “While they’re only 15 or 16, they understand how important it is to engage their families in civic matters.”
Her efforts are supported by a three-year grant from the Houston Endowment, which funds various civic education initiatives across the city.
“The Houston Endowment has poured millions into the civic education space this year,” Spranger said. “It’s not just about getting people registered to vote; it’s about keeping them involved year-round—learning about candidates, understanding the issues, and even running for office themselves.”
As Spranger explained, collaboration is key to HCDE’s approach.
“The grant encourages working with other grantees like HISD and Alief ISD to ensure our efforts are cohesive. This is not work that can be done in a silo—it has to be done together to be effective.”
Spranger’s work also extends to organizing events aimed at making democracy fun. Inspired by a civic fair hosted by HISD in May, she is organizing a similar event with barbecue, music, and activities to attract students and families.
“We need to make democracy interesting again—something people want to participate in.”
