Submission Deadline Approaching For MyImpact Challenge

Did your students sign up for the Bill of Rights Institute’s MyImpact Challenge ? Remind them that submissions for this year's contest are due by 11:59 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 19, 2024. So remind your students to submit their projects by the deadline!

Each year, BRI hosts this national civic engagement contest for students to develop constitutionally-principled service projects that benefit their local communities. They can win up to $10,000 in prizes, and up to $40,000 in total prizes are available to students and teachers.

Visit our contest webpage for more information.

Institute Spotlights

Have Your Students Think The Vote!

The first Think The Vote question in February looks at closed state primaries. In some states, only citizens who are members of a political party can vote in a primary to select that party’s candidate. This is called a “closed primary,” and is under scrutiny as we embark on the 2024 Presidential election.

Critics call this process undemocratic, because it prevents many people from voting who are not registered members of that party. However, supporters say closed primaries allow supporters of a political party to select the best candidate to support their political interests.

So should states stop having closed primaries? Students can submit their thoughts on this topic until Wednesday, Feb. 14.

View Our Plainest Demands Of Justice Curriculum!

In honor of Black History Month, explore the effort to realize America’s Founding principles of liberty, equality, and justice through the lens of key periods in African-American history. BRI's Plainest Demands of Justice curriculum highlights current and former historical figures whose goal was a greater realization of the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence.

These lessons help students explore the creation of a society founded on principles that began in the colonial era and continue today. For easier access, we created era-specific playlists for each lesson: Lesson 1; Lesson 2; Lesson 3; Lesson 4; Lesson 5; Lesson 6.

Educator Spotlight

Meet Jennifer Welch!

As a teacher in a city populated mainly by immigrant families, Jennifer Welch appreciates and makes ample use of the Bill of Rights Institute’s “Being an American” resource materials.

“These materials provoke students to be thoughtful and reflective about the images they already hold about what an ‘American’ is and start constructing a new image of their own,” Jennifer said. “Hopefully, one that they can identify with as well.”

Read more about Welch's experience in this Educator Spotlight.

BOE: Bottom of Email

Dear John:

The Bill of Rights Institute recently announced which students will take part in its 2024 Student Fellowship program. They come from all over the country, including California, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas, Maryland, and New York.

As part of the program, these student fellows will participate in robust programming during the school year and finish their experience with a week of programming in and around Philadelphia, Pa., and Washington, D.C.

Media outlets across the country shared news about the student fellows receiving this opportunity, including in BRI’s backyard here in Arlington, Va. Want to learn more about our Student Fellowship program and how your students can apply for future opportunities? Visit our website for more information!

Warmly,

Laura Vlk
Director, Educator Engagement
Bill of Rights Institute

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