SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois
Humanities Council welcomed more than 60 Illinois high school
students to the State Capitol today who are participating in
Illinois’ first Capitol Forum on America’s Future.
The Capitol Forum is a civic education program that
challenges young people to learn about and discuss controversial
issues that impact America’s future.
"As the Secretary of State and as a former school teacher, I
am proud that Illinois is one of only four states in the nation
chosen to participate in this project," said White. "As I
welcome you to the first annual Capitol Forum on America’s
Future, I remind you that you represent the next generation of
leaders. I congratulate you for taking an interest in the future
of our country and the challenges we face."
Illinois is one of four states chosen to take part in the
curriculum that is coordinated nationally by the Choices for the
21st Century Education Project, a program of the Watson Institute
for International Studies at Brown University.
The participating schools include Gordon Tech High School,
Chicago; Lexington High School, Lexington; Lincoln Park High
School, Chicago; Maine South High School, Park Ridge; Normal
Community High School, Normal; Streamwood High School,
Streamwood; and Wheeling High School, Wheeling.
The curriculum addresses four themes – international
conflict resolution, immigration, global environmental problems
and international trade. Students gather in groups to examine
four distinct visions for the future of US foreign policy. Each
group analyzes its assigned "Future" and prepares a brief
persuasive presentation. A fifth group prepares questions for
the presenters. All the participants meet in the House Chamber
to present and debate the issues. State, federal, and university
officials with backgrounds in foreign affairs and trade are
serving as expert panelists.
"The first Capitol Forum is an investment in the future of
our neighborhoods and nation, and will prepare high schools
students to take their place as informed citizens in the global
community," said Kristina Valaitis, Executive Director of the
Illinois Humanities Council.
