Marcus’s 18th birthday was right before our local city elections, and I encouraged him to vote. His immediate response was, “Nah, people like me don’t vote, it’s not for me.”

As a teacher, I often meet students like Marcus, who are just not interested in voting. His hesitation is not due to apathy but skepticism about his voice’s efficacy in enacting change. Because of this mindset, the voter turnout in our local city elections was just 12 percent. Because of this mindset, programs like the Coalition for Anti-Racism and Equity’s (CARE) youth empowerment initiative, “Leadership Next Gen,” are so important.  

Addressing the barriers to youth civic engagement is crucial if we are to have an involved citizenry now and in the future. The lack of resources and opportunities for young people, particularly from marginalized communities, poses a significant challenge, especially when many young people like Marcus know their voices are marginal in political discourse. Programs like CARE are a strategic effort to restore our young people’s faith in the democratic processes.

CARE is a unique program within the Commonwealth that bridges the gap between young citizens and civic leadership through internships in government and community-based organizations. The program’s culmination is an advocacy day at the State House, giving the interns first-hand experience in governance and policy-making.

The goal is to demystify the legislative process and make it accessible and relatable to the youth. The Massachusetts Department of Education now requires a Civics Action Project component in education. Such a requirement reinforces the importance of civic engagement as an integral part of education, encouraging students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. This mandate aligns perfectly with CARE’s mission, directly linking students’ advocacy work to their academic journey.

At the 2023 fellowship graduation, one student, who initially doubted the accessibility of the policy and politics world, passionately expressed, “This internship has definitely solidified in me that I want to be a politician when I grow up. I can do this.”

This student is now one of the 60 young people who make up the executive committee of Gov. Maura Healey’s Youth Advisory Council, leading initiatives, listening sessions, and working groups with other youth who have applied to the council. 

The response from CARE fellows has been notably positive, with many students feeling significantly impacted by their involvement. Inspired by their experiences, several students are now planning to pursue public policy in their higher education studies.

For example, one student took what they learned to heart and crafted a detailed housing policy, which they then presented to local officials, demonstrating the practical impact of their advocacy. Another engaged with community after-school programs to discuss the vital role of civic engagement in understanding and shaping local government.

These students also have voiced a desire for deeper historical and civic education, identifying gaps in their school curriculums. CARE has enabled them to advocate for meaningful community change, thus applying their learning in dynamic and impactful ways. For instance, one passionate Leadership Next Gen fellow alum emphasized the significance of a racially inclusive curriculum during the August edition of the Boston Public Radio’s “Ask the Governor” program with Governor Maura Healey.

I am confident that if Marcus had participated in the CARE fellowship, he would have gained firsthand experience with the legislative process, recognized his potential impact on policy-making, and witnessed the tangible outcomes of civic participation.

This program not only boosts the confidence and commitment of its participants towards civic engagement, but it also plays a crucial role in bridging the gap for youths like Marcus, by showing them their essential role in democracy and inspiring them with a sense of agency.

Ralph Saint-Louis teaches biology and chemistry at Lowell High School and is a 2023-2024 Teach Plus Massachusetts senior policy fellow. He serves on the board of CARE. 

CommonWealth Voices is sponsored by The Boston Foundation.

The Boston Foundation is deeply committed to civic leadership, and essential to our work is the exchange of informed opinions.  We are proud to partner on a platform that engages such a broad range of demographic and ideological viewpoints.