SAN JOSE, CA -- In partnership with the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters (SCCROV), the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) has introduced its inaugural educator ambassador program, designed to elevate voting rights, community voice and voter registration.
As with high school voter registration weeks held in September and April, the goal of the program is to help teachers encourage youth to become engaged in the election process while providing information that can help facilitate voter registration.
“Participation in our country’s voting processes is of paramount importance. I am reminded of what United States Senator and Civil Rights leader, John Lewis, stated about the significance of voting, ‘The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.’,” said Santa Clara County School Superintendent, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “As adults we may understand the impact of voting for policy and electing leadership more than our youth. Educating our youth and encouraging their participation in the voting process can help them develop connection, ownership and leadership, as well as greatly impact their well-being and future.”
Future educator ambassadors will be required to attend training that helps them develop outreach strategies, engage with students, gain support from others on their school campus and host and participate in voter registration events for youth.
“The Registrar of Voters Office is incredibly proud to be partnering with SCCOE to encourage Santa Clara County youth to vote and engage in civics and the democratic process,” said Executive Director of the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, Shannon Bushey.
Educators are invited to attend the following four online workshops beginning in early November, which will be facilitated by the SCCOE History-Social Science Coordinators and staff from the SCCROV. Digital materials and resources will be provided. Educators participating in the program are also eligible to receive a stipend.
Workshops are as follows:
November 2, 2021: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
December 2, 2021: 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
January 11, 2022: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
February 2, 2022: 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.
For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.