The Oregon State Capitol Foundation (OSCF) is accepting applications for a third round of the Civics Education Initiative (CEI) program. OSCF established this initiative “to fund programs that educate adults and students about Oregon’s legislative process, state and local budgets, public administrative processes, governmental history and the essential importance of citizen involvement in all phases of public policy decision-making.” The initiative will award organizations with existing or aspiring civics education projects and programs that teach the value of civic engagement and expand appreciation for Oregon’s state and local government. Applications must be received no later than September 30.
In early 2022, the nonprofit funded programs for the Oregon Alliance of YMCAs, Classroom Law Project and League of Women Voters of Oregon, amounting to $24,000. Later that year, six applicants received a collective $50,000, including the Young Leaders Program, Healthy Democracy and Foundations for a Better Oregon. OSCF will award as much as $80,000 to successful applicants for the 2023-24 CEI program.
In Spring 2023, the League of Women Voters of Oregon held Mock Elections for middle and high school students. Gretta DesCamp of Kellogg Middle School said, “Thank you so much for including me in this process! It was a lot of fun, and I’d love to be included again in the future. It was great to participate for many reasons, and it also helped me research and prepare my own vote!” Jefferson High School student Luke Griffin said, “I utilized material to create a couple of lessons focused on historical voter suppression, current voter suppression, and how Oregon is trying to expand voting. I also added my own information about political parties, an easy way to determine how to vote for politicians and ballots, and types of taxes which fund programs.”
Eligible programs and proposals for the 2023-24 CEI program will expand civics education classroom and extracurricular activities; provide experiences for Oregonians to learn about Oregon’s government; inspire civic engagement and public service; support travel costs for groups to visit the Oregon State Capitol; share the history of our Capitol and local and state governments; tell the stories of Oregonians who made a difference in Oregon’s civic life; or support research or advanced study of significant public policy topics.
Following the September 30 application deadline, the OSCF Education Committee will evaluate applications and make a final award decision at their December meeting. Selected awardees must sign their Award Agreement and supply a program status report halfway through the program as well as a final report once they’ve completed their program. To apply to or learn more about the Civics Education Initiative, visit .