By HWM
New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) marked the Eighth Annual Civics Week this week, a citywide celebration aimed at empowering students to understand the importance of civic participation and youth leadership. Under this year’s theme, “Voices Then, Voices Now,” students were encouraged to connect historical movements for justice and democracy with contemporary civic action.
“Civics Week reminds students that power is not handed down from the top – they have the ability to affect real change in our communities,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a press release. “This week, through student government elections, Soapbox speeches, and community engagement, our youngest New Yorkers are building the lifelong skills they need to shape the future of our city.”
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Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels added in the press release, “Our schools are showing students that their voices matter, their choices have power, and each one of them can shape the future of their communities. I encourage all eligible students to register to vote.”
The week officially launched in District 4 in Manhattan, showcasing how students across NYCPS are already engaging civically. Activities included Soapbox speeches in partnership with Mikva Challenge, participatory budgeting proposals, civics-themed game shows, and poster competitions highlighting the importance of voting and civic involvement.
“At Mikva Challenge, we believe young people learn democracy by doing democracy,” said Verneé Green, CEO of Mikva Challenge, in a press release. “We’re proud to partner with NYC Public Schools to bring SoapboxNYC to classrooms across the city and help empower young people to speak out on the issues that matter most to them.”
This year, 51 municipal agencies visited schools to participate in discussions and activities, including the NYPD, FDNY, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Department of Education, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, among many others.
Civics Week also kicked off the 2026 Student Voter Registration Drive, an annual initiative that has registered or pre-registered over 100,000 students since 2019. The program encourages eligible students to take their first step toward becoming informed and engaged voters.
The week will culminate on March 26 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where outstanding Soapbox speeches from across the city will be showcased, celebrating student voices and reinforcing the power of civic engagement for New York City’s next generation of leaders.
Photo courtesy NYC Department of Education
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