Students from across Central Massachusetts head to the DCU Center next month to present civics projects tackling issues such as mental health, immigration reform and artificial intelligence in education as part of a statewide student engagement initiative.
The Worcester showcase, scheduled for June 1 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is one of four regional civics project showcases being organized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education over the next three weeks.
According to the department’s announcement, students from 31 districts are expected to participate in the Worcester event, where projects will be presented in a science fair-style format to peers, educators, elected officials and community advisors.
City Manager Eric Batista and Mayor Joseph Petty are expected to welcome participants at the Worcester event. Other officials scheduled to attend include state Sens. Ryan Fattman, Robyn Kennedy and Michael Moore, along with state Rep. Kate Donaghue and Kathleen Roy.
The showcases stem from changes included in the state’s 2018 History and Social Science Frameworks and a 2018 law aimed at expanding civic engagement opportunities for students. The initiative incorporated civics projects into eighth grade and high school coursework across Massachusetts.
Under the program, students can complete projects individually, in small groups or as entire classrooms, often focusing on real-world policy or community issues affecting their schools and neighborhoods.
In addition to Worcester, showcases will also be held in Springfield, Dartmouth and Boston.
