GenerationNation

GenerationNation develops a new generation of civic leaders. GenerationNation students build civic literacy, becoming civic leaders who:

- Know first-hand how their governments and communities work
- Understand and can discuss civic issues and different points of view
- Can intelligently find and use news and civic information
- Build social capital, knowledge, and experience for active civic leadership and problem-solving, now and for the future

GenerationNation programs combine K-12 education and real-life experiences that help to narrow civic learning gaps, and include Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council, Youth Lead Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Student Advisor to the school board, Kids Lead, student mock election ("Kids Voting"), K-12 civic literacy curriculum, teacher support, and other initiatives that build civic literacy and leadership from an early age.

GenerationNation is the only Charlotte organization providing this service to local K-12 students. Nearly 1 million Charlotte-Mecklenburg students have built and applied civic knowledge and skills through GenerationNation programs. Launched in 1992 by the Charlotte Observer, CMS, and other community stakeholders as a mock election event called Kids Voting, in the early 2000s our organization led local efforts for the NC Civic Index, and with resulting stakeholder feedback and support, our organization expanded our work to become GenerationNation in 2011-12. GenerationNation now works year-round through expanded programming and deeper impact.