Retro Report Ignites Gen Z Civic Engagement with New Initiatives 

Retro Report, the Emmy Award-winning nonprofit newsroom (free access), is stepping up to address a critical gap in civic education among today’s youth. With the 2024 election on the horizon and only 22 percent of students nationwide proficient in civics, Retro Report is launching a comprehensive strategy designed to foster engaged and informed young citizens. This multi-faceted approach includes a compelling docuseries, a nationwide student challenge, and a wealth of resources for educators. Buckle up, educators – civic engagement is about to get a serious upgrade.

Shaping the Future: A Civic Call to Action 

Imagine a classroom where students aren’t just memorizing dates and facts but actively engaging in discussions that shape their communities and futures. Retro Report is making this a reality with its three-pronged plan to jazz up civic education: the PBS documentary series “Citizen Nation,” the inaugural #CivicEngagementChallenge, and an extensive library of free resources for civics teachers. These efforts come at a time when empowering young voices is more crucial than ever.

The 22% Proficiency Crisis: We Need to Talk 

To understand the urgency, we need to unpack what civics proficiency entails. Civics education covers a wide array of topics, including the foundations of democracy, the functions of government branches, civil liberties and rights, and the importance of civic participation. When only 22 percent of students are proficient, it means that the vast majority lack a solid understanding of these essential components, hindering their ability to engage effectively in democratic processes and civic life. In other words, we’re looking at a generation that might think the Electoral College is where you go to major in voting. Yikes.

At the heart of Retro Report’s efforts to boost civic engagement is a trio of interconnected projects. The first of these is an inspiring docuseries that brings the realities of civic participation to life – and trust us, it’s way more exciting than it sounds.

“Citizen Nation”: A Docuseries Highlighting Youth in Action 

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 8, because “Citizen Nation” is about to become your new favorite docuseries. This four-part program offers an inspiring coming-of-age narrative, following teenagers from diverse backgrounds as they compete in We the People, the nation’s premier civics competition. Retro Report’s journalists immersed themselves in the lives of these students for months, capturing their struggles, triumphs, and perspectives on pressing issues facing America today. Executive Producer Kyra Darnton explains, “This project provided a unique opportunity to portray the daily lives of teenagers across the country through their own eyes. Our in-depth approach allowed us to gain insight into the challenges they face and their thoughts about the future.” 

Equipping Educators: Free Resources for Civics Teachers 

Complementing the docuseries, the second prong of Retro Report’s strategy focuses on empowering educators with free teaching materials. To pull this off, Retro Report is partnering with 25 top civics teachers from secondary schools across the country. These education superheroes are developing and piloting interactive materials, engaging in virtual classroom exchanges, and promoting free resources, all set to be available this fall. These resources, designed to teach students how to engage in civil discourse, evaluate sources, and develop evidence-based arguments, will bring the dynamic, real-world elements of “Citizen Nation” into the classroom, making civics education more relevant and engaging for students. 

The #CivicEngagementChallenge: Empowering Student Voices 

The final component of Retro Report’s three-part plan directly engages students through an exciting nationwide competition. The #CivicEngagementChallenge invites students aged 13 to 18 to submit essays or videos that model civil discourse and share their perspectives on community issues and civic engagement. Open from Monday, August 5, through Sunday, October 13, the challenge offers participants the chance to win $500 and have their work featured on Retro Report’s website and social media. It’s a unique opportunity for students to practice civil discourse and make their voices heard. For more details and entry information, visit retroreport.org/civic-engagement-challenge. Who knows? The next great political mind might be discovered right here.

Join the Movement 

Retro Report’s three-pronged approach — combining compelling media, educator support, and direct student engagement — offers a comprehensive solution to the need for enhanced civic education. By providing platforms for student engagement, producing captivating educational content, and equipping teachers with important tools, Retro Report is helping to develop a generation of informed, active citizens.

For more information about “Citizen Nation” and other resources, visit Retro Report’s website. Tune into the docuseries on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS app starting October 8, and encourage the young voices in your life to participate in shaping our collective future. After all, they’re the ones who’ll be running the show soon enough – let’s make sure they’re ready for it!