In times of division, how do we teach young people to have meaningful, respectful conversations? That’s the question Samantha Sheffield tackled in her Capstone project at the Clinton School of Public Service.
Sheffield evaluated Beyond Civility, a program by the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute that teaches Arkansas high school students how to engage in civil dialogue.
Her research measured how this two-day workshop changed students’ attitudes, behaviors, and engagement in civic life.
Sheffield found that students became more confident in expressing their views, more likely to educate their peers on civility, and more engaged in civic life – with many committing to vote, volunteer, and even run for student government.
Her findings didn’t just validate the program – they shaped recommendations to make it even stronger, ensuring that students feel heard and empowered to make a difference in their schools and communities.
Thanks to Sheffield’s work, Beyond Civility isn’t just a workshop, it’s a core component of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute’s work to shape new generations of thoughtful, engaged leaders in Arkansas.
The Clinton School Impact Minute is a recurring segment with Little Rock Public Radio, highlighting the Clinton School’s field service impact.
Since 2004, Clinton School students have completed nearly 700 field service projects with more than 300 organizations in Arkansas alone, creating immediate and long-term impact for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies across the state.
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