NEW YORK – New York City Public Schools and DemocracyNYC celebrated the Seventh Annual Civics Week with a series of events designed to empower students throughout the five boroughs to embrace their civic responsibility. Under the theme “Democracy Begins Here,” the week-long celebration reinforced to students the power of their voices and how to effect meaningful change through active participation in their communities.

Civics Week kicked off with NYCPS Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos' visit to In-Tech Academy in the Bronxwhere she delivered opening remarks highlighting democracy and the importance of being an active citizen. Throughout the rest of the week, students across grades kindergarten through twelve participated in activities and events that reinforced civics education as an essential part of every student’s core academic experience. These events included visits from elected officials, city and community leaders, and municipal leadership and staff.

“When we empower our young people with civic knowledge and skills, we’re preparing the next generation of leaders,” said Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “Through Civics Week, we are helping students strengthen their voices and understand that they have the power to make a difference in their communities—both today and in the future.”

“Proud to celebrate New York’s 7th annual Civics Week. This programming provides a vital platform to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape their communities and advocate for a stronger, more inclusive city,” said Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor and Chief Engagement Officer Crystal Price. “By fostering spaces for students to engage, learn, and lead, we empower the next generation to amplify their voices and drive meaningful, lasting change.”

Student ambassadors and teachers in over 245 high schools coordinated voter registration drives. DemocracyNYC supported these efforts by hosting voter registration drives in 12 additional high schools citywide. Since its inception, over 90,000 students have registered to vote during Civics Week.

For students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, schools utilized resources from the NYCPS Civics for All initiative to help students build their civic knowledge and hone their civic engagement skills. 

Photos of the events can be found here.