Capitol Forum on America's FutureThe Capitol Forum is an experiential civic education initiative that gives high school students a voice in public consideration of current international issues. The program is organized on a statewide basis and involves students both within their social studies classroom and beyond the classroom at their state capitol in the spring. |
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Curriculum of the Capitol Forum: The central question of the Capitol Forum is "What role should the United States play in the changing international environment of the 21st century?" At the heart of the Capitol Forum is an exploration of four distinct visions—Futures—for the United States in the coming years. The year-long program culminates in a student ballot that is shared with elected officials and the media. Students are also invited to express their own views as a "Future Five."
Current States
Illinois Capitol Forum
The Illinois Capitol Forum program is sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. The forum at the state capitol in Springfield, Illinois takes place on March 11-12.
Indiana Capitol Forum
The Indiana Capitol Forum program is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Global Change at Indiana University-Bloomington in collaboration with several other organizations in Indiana. The forum at the state capitol in Indianapolis takes place in spring 2010.
Maryland Capitol Forum
The Maryland Capitol Forum program is sponsored by the Maryland Center for Civic Education. The forum at the state capitol in Annapolis takes place in the spring.
Nebraska Capitol Forum
The Nebraska Capitol Forum program is sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council in collaboration with Secretary of State John Gale's office. The forum at the state capitol in Lincoln takes place in March.
New Jersey Capitol Forum
The New Jersey Capitol Forum program is sponsored by the American Institute for History Education. The forum at the state capitol in Trenton takes place in the spring.
Rhode Island Capitol Forum
The Rhode Island Capitol Forum program is sponsored by Global Rhode Island and PlanUSA. The forum at the state capitol in Providence takes place in the spring.
Washington Capitol Forum
The Washington Capitol Forum program is sponsored by Washington State Coalition for International Education. The forum at the state capitol in Olympia takes place in the spring.
Videos about the Program See the videos about the Capitol Forum. They feature the Illinois Capitol Forum and were developed by the Illinois Humanities Council in collaboration with the Choices Program.
Hear from Students: See What Students Are Saying about the Capitol Forum. Read a student's reflections on what the program has meant to him.
Program Endorsements:The Capitol Forum is endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), and the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).