Public Achievement - Colorado College

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Public Achievement

Public Achievement is a national youth initiative that engages young people in community based civic education and public work. Public work is the difficult process of working with a group of diverse people to solve public problems and make a lasting contribution to our communities and world. The larger goal of the program is to expand the notions of politics, democracy and citizenship by empowering individuals as agents of public change.  Currently, students at Colorado College meet with small groups of Wasson High School students and North Middle School students to implement service-learning projects and develop important civic skills.

The Public Achievement process includes brainstorming issues that are imporant to the students, researching the issues, narrowing down the focus from the larger issue to the problem, addressing the problem through a service-learning project, reflecting on the process, and celebrating their efforts. Overall the students are empowered to facilitate change and share their important perspective as youth in this community.

Coaching Opportunity

The Colorado College students that participate in Public Achievement are known as "coaches." This opportunity is available to work-study elegible students or volunteers. It is a powerful and extremely rewarding experience for those that want to enhance youth voice and teach the value of public work. Please contact Kira Pasquesi at (719) 227-8270 if you are interested in this opportunity.

There may be additional opportunities in the future as we look to expand to more K-12 schools. Check out A Tale of Two Playgrounds: Young People and Politics by Harry C. Boyte and the Public Achievement website for background information on the program.

Resources for Current Coaches

Blank lesson plan form

Public Achievement toolbox of lessons