Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program (RICLP)
Each school year, teachers or school administrators can nominate one or two civically-engaged students in grades 9-12 to serve as Student Civic Liaisons to the RI Department of State. One teacher liaison from each school supports their students in facilitating initiatives in their school and community.
Students attend monthly sessions at the Rhode Island State House led by RI Department of State staff, elected officials, and community and government leaders focused on a variety of topics, including civility, community advocacy, voting and elections, and politics and the media.
As part of the program, Student Civic Liaisons must complete a civic action project of their choice. Past projects have included organizing voter registration drives, creating a civic engagement club, recruiting youth poll workers for primary and general elections, and developing programs that will make a difference in their high schools. Student Civic Liaisons earn a certificate of Civic Education Excellence from the RI Department of State upon completion of the one-year program.
Rhode Island Civic Leadership Summit
The Civic Leadership Summit is the culminating event of the Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program. The Summit is a two-night, three-day non-partisan experiential learning program that takes place in locations in the state capital, including the Rhode Island State House and the Rhode Island Judiciary. The Summit provides Student Civic Liaisons the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and participate in professionally-guided workshops, while encouraging them to think critically about issues and evaluate potential solutions.
The Summit is based in part on Project In-Site, a program many current state leaders experienced during their high school years that has not been offered to Rhode Island’s youth since 1985. The first Summit was held in April 2024.
Through the generosity of sponsors, students can attend the RI Civic Leadership Summit at no cost.
Learn More and Get Involved
Rhode Island schools that are interested in learning more about the Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program, the Rhode Island Civic Leadership Summit, or the Department of State’s efforts around civic engagement can reach out to the Civic Education and Engagement team at [email protected]. Teachers who are interested in participating in the program or nominating students to participate are also encouraged to reach out.
Individuals or organizations who are interested in sponsoring the RI Civic Leadership Summit can reach out to Eileen Sweeney, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, at [email protected]. Donations can also be made online through the Rhode Island Foundation at www.rifoundation.org/riclp. Sponsorship opportunities are available at all financial levels, and the RI Department of State looks forward to welcoming additional partners.