WASHINGTON, DC — The League of Women Voters Education Fund has been awarded a $1 million philanthropic grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York to expand youth civic education and engagement programs nationwide. This investment comes at a pivotal time as the League works to strengthen civic learning partnerships and build a new generation of informed and active participants in democracy.
“Young people hold the key to the future of our democracy,” said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States. “This grant allows us to expand our reach, equip youth with the knowledge and tools they need to lead, and ensure that every young person understands the power of their voice and their vote. We are deeply grateful to Carnegie Corporation of New York for recognizing the urgency and importance of this work.”
“We want every young person to see themselves as active members of our democracy who have the power to shape the future,” said Jeanette Senecal, Chief, Civic Learning and Impact at the League of Women Voters of the United States. “This support helps us meet young people where they are, whether in classrooms, on campuses, online, or working in their communities, and give them the skills and confidence to make their voices heard.”
With this support, the League will grow its youth-focused initiatives, including civic education in middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and vocational schools; Spanish-language voter outreach; and expand partnerships with youth-serving organizations. The League will work to promote nonpartisan voter registration and grow the impact of VOTE411.org as part of key civic education for eligible Americans. These programs help young people understand how democracy works—and how they can shape it—creating lifelong civic participants and community leaders.
“Youth civic education and engagement are critical for maintaining a healthy democracy,” said Geri Mannion, Managing Director, Strengthening U.S. Democracy Program at Carnegie Corporation of New York. “Carnegie is pleased to support the development and empowerment of the next generation of informed citizens and civic leaders.”
About the League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters of the United States is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.
About Carnegie Corporation of New York
Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.
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