As part of Civic Learning Week, we are excited to present “Voices of Change Panel: Service-Learning and Civic Engagement.” This insightful panel discussion will bring together youth, educators, and service-learning experts to discuss the pivotal role of service-learning in fostering civic engagement and empowering the next generation of leaders. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how service-learning initiatives can inspire active citizenship and drive positive community change.

Discussion topics will include:

• The role of service-learning in promoting civic responsibility among youth.
• Success stories and impactful service-learning experiences from students and educators.
• Best practices for integrating service-learning into educational curricula.
• Challenges and opportunities in fostering civic engagement through service-learning.
• Future directions for service-learning and its potential to shape a more engaged society.

Guest speakers include:

Ace Parsi, Director of Coalition Engagement at iCivics

Ace’s civics journey began when he and his family immigrated to the US from Iran when he was eight. His own experience as an English language learner and free and reduced price lunch student led him towards a passion for utilizing education as a driver for greater equity and inclusion.   He holds a Masters in Public Policy Degree from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.  He is a proud resident of Morgantown, West Virginia where he resides with his wife, Clare, and daughter, Ella.

Kayla Pilgrim, Youth250 National Advisory Bureau with MadeByUs

Kayla Pilgrim is a member of the Youth250 National Advisory Bureau with Made By Us, where she contributes to civic programming and dialogue in preparation for the U.S. semiquincentennial. A recent graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago, she earned her BA in Political Science at just 18 years old. With experience in government agencies, national organizations, and public institutions, her work centers on advocacy, public affairs, and strategic communication. Bringing fresh perspectives to complex challenges, she is dedicated to championing civic engagement, building sustainable community coalitions, and mobilizing the next generation to drive meaningful change.

Dr. Michelle Herczog, Program Manager at Californians for Civic Learning & Co-Director of the California Civic Learning Initiative at Teach Democracy

Dr. Michelle Herczog is a nationally recognized expert in U.S. history and civics instruction, with extensive experience shaping social studies education at local, state, and national levels. She serves as Program Manager of Californians for Civic Learning and is Co-Director of the California Civic Learning Initiative at Teach Democracy. Dr. Herczog is a Past President of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and has held key leadership roles, including Vice-Chair of the California Instructional Quality Commission and a contributor to the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards. With deep experience in curriculum, assessment, and policy, Dr. Herczog is committed to preparing students for informed, engaged participation in democracy.

Facilitated by:

Adonai Yidnekachew, NYLC Youth Advisory Council

My name is Adonai Yidnekachew! I am focused on equity in my schools and my community as I am part of an international non-profit organization, ARCC, which fights to eliminate racism and educate anti-racism and have brought that fight in my school community with a club called SOAR working for equity at Chaska High School and District 112. We hope to educate students, the next generation, about a diverse range of cultures so they can put aside their differences and help eliminate their biases. I love to lead, take up challenges, and work on bringing youth voices to change-making spaces, so all of our voices can be heard! I am excited and ready to represent a diverse range of youth in advocacy issues that matter to them, around the nation!

Who Should Attend:

• Students and young adults
• Educators and school administrators
• Youth program coordinators
• Community leaders and activists
• Parents and guardians
• Anyone interested in civic education and youth empowerment