That air hockey table in the Student Lounge? Students researched it, proposed it, and made it happen — and that’s the whole point.

This year, our students took part in a school-based participatory budgeting process, where they were given real decision-making power over how school resources get spent. Students researched and developed a wide range of thoughtful project proposals, then put them to a vote — and the air hockey table was one of the winning ideas bringing joy to the lounge every lunch period.

Participatory budgeting isn’t just a civics lesson — it’s democracy in practice. When young people are trusted to shape their own environment, they rise to the occasion every time. This is what youth voice looks like: real, tangible, and fun. 🏒💚

A big thank you to Civics for All for leading the way on this process and empowering our students to think critically about their community and how to invest in it.