Election 2000 provides education the opportunity to make a connection to the real world. Delaware Student Symposium combines an essay contest, a political fair, and Gubernatorial debate. This project, sponsored by the Democracy Project of the University of Delaware and the Office of the Secretary of State, funded by MBNA America, will provide the opportunity for youth to see the power of their voice in democracy. The goal of this event is to increase youth voter participation and civic action in community and state. The essay contest offers students of all high schools in the State of Delaware a chance to lobby their concerns.
Students are to write a persuasive essay on an issue that concerns their age group.
An outline for the essay is included in this packet. Please copy and distribute to students. Ten essays will be chosen by a panel of educators, politicians, and students. In addition, these essays along with other chosen essays will present their concerns at the informal Gubernatorial debate. This debate will include both candidates for Governor in the State of Delaware.