Social Science Impact Accelerator: Rejuvenating US Democracy: Grass-Roots Civic & Political Engagement in Pennsylvania

Rationale: Trust in democracy and in elected officials is at an all-time low in the United States and many established democracies. Despite the many issues young Americans care about– from the cost-of-living-crisis, to abortion, to gun control– the 2024 US Presidential Election recorded one of the lowest youth turnout rates in history. However, there is strong evidence to show that young people are interested in politics and willing to get involved in local decision-making. In this project, the PI(Sloam) will work with PA Youth Vote (a non-partisan youth engagement organisation) to review and learn from its approach– building on the PI’s extensive work (research and impact) in engaging disadvantaged/ marginalised youth in democracy. The aim is to build trust and efficacy amongst young people in Pennsylvania (a key swing state in US elections) and beyond through ‘civic mentoring’– turning youth voice into public policy– and more effective civics education (embodying experiential learning).