Civics and Citizenship
Civics and Citizenship is our after-school civic engagement program. It is our largest program and serves at least 800 immigrant youth annually in the Washington DC & Baltimore Metro Areas.
The goal of the program is for youth to become civically engaged in their community, realizing they have an important role to play in our community. The program increases youths’ school attendance, engagement, and self-esteem. This program is completely free for youth, and LP provides a meal for youth at each session and covers their transportation expenses. Since 2005, we have served more than 6,500 immigrant youth through this program.
In the program, youth meet different guest speakers including elected officials, working professionals from different careers (often immigrants themselves), and college and scholarship representatives. Youth visit local civic institutions such as police and fire stations, and attend field trips to various colleges and museums throughout the DC Metro area. Youth also have the opportunity to contribute to their community firsthand through volunteer service-learning projects.
Upon completion of the course, students have a greater understanding of American civic life and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become active participants in their local communities.
Program Updates
The spring semester of the Civics and Citizenship program at Patterson High School ran from February through May and concluded successfully with a graduating cohort of 50 students. The program began with 18 students and grew steadily throughout the semester, reflecting strong engagement and retention among Baltimore City youth. Students participated in a range of civic, academic, and career exposure experiences designed to build leadership skills and introduce post-secondary pathways.
Key highlights included visits to the Wabash District Courthouse, the University of Maryland, a Fortinet cybersecurity workshop at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and a networking event with the Baltimore Orioles. Students also engaged in ongoing school-based volunteer work, including packaging lunches and snacks for peers. As a result of their participation, 5 students secured paid summer internships with Comite Latino, 2 students secured internships with Esperanza Center and the Better Business Bureau, and 6 additional students are currently interviewing with partners such as the University of Baltimore, Hoffberger Family Philanthropies, SOAR, NCIA, and other Baltimore-based organizations.
Patterson High School youth during their final celebration of the spring semester
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“I came into the program looking for experience, but I left with confidence, connections, and new goals.”
— Nelson