“Citizenship has its duties as well as its privileges”
–President Benjamin Harrison
History and civics have everything to do with Presidents Day, and—more broadly—should be central to the way in which we prepare and educate students to be good fellow community members, citizens, and leaders.
Did you know that federal investment in government and civics education is equivalent to $0.05 per student per year, compared to $50 per student per year for STEM (science, technology engineering and math) education? While STEM instruction is vital, we are doing ourselves a disservice if we do not invest in helping the rising generations understand and appreciate what is best about our country, and how they can take an active part in shaping its future. Surely, we must give as much forethought to the architecture of perpetuating civil society as the civil engineer does to the infrastructure of bridges and buildings.
This is why in 2015, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site started an initiative called “Future Presidents of America.” This innovative and engaging youth leadership camp has a mission of developing individual confidence, civic literacy and good citizenship to reveal the exceptional qualities of character that make for great presidents and great leaders.
Using the American presidency as a lens of understanding, young leaders come together from across the state (and even across the country) to explore a panoramic view of issues relevant to all leaders across the ages. From the country’s heroic 18th century origins to the 23rd president and into the 21st century, participants engage in an immersive history experience that includes special interactive sessions, remarkable stories and up-close experiences with historic artifacts.
Now heading into its 10th anniversary year, Future Presidents of America affords special opportunities to each annual cohort of 20 young leaders ages 13-16. This includes the chance to meet and engage with a diverse group of business and community leaders, joining the federal court’s summer naturalization ceremony and a visit to the president’s tomb at historic Crown Hill Cemetery, one of the largest and most celebrated private cemeteries in the country. Each day’s programming and field trips focus on a set of themes that explore rich history through compelling and insightful stories of success in the face of challenge and adversity, with daily themes centered on: “Confidence & Qualifications;” “Duty, Honor & Sacrifice;” “Poise & Policy;” “Communitas & Civitas;” and, “E Pluribus Unum.”
Young leaders also have the opportunity to share their voices in lively debates and thought provoking discussions on what it means to be a good citizen while simultaneously investigating the challenges and opportunities facing every president – yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Our Future Presidents of America youth leadership camp is an innovative and impactful program, giving young leaders an unparalleled perspective on our country’s leadership. Being able to experience it at the National Historic Landmark home of America’s Hoosier President—and at our growing cohort of national Presidential site and library partners—is all the more relevant and powerful as we move further into this historic presidential election year. It’s a unique opportunity in a nationally significant place.
Charles Hyde is the president and CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site located in Indianapolis. The views expressed are those of the author only.
The attached photo is of Harrison’s bust, created by Hoosier artist Richard Peglow in 2008 and now displayed in the Indiana Statehouse.
