Institute for Youth in Policy

Our Education team got their first peer-reviewed study published alongside our collaborators at the New Voters Research Network! We are so proud of our amazing team for working on their study for two years. Please check out their amazing work, all the details below! Link to Study: https://lnkd.in/eumfcC9Y Study Title: "The Impact of Discourse-Based Learning on Student Civic Engagement, Polarization, and Topic Comprehension" Authors: Isabel Epistelomogi (VP of Education Research & Analytics at YIP), Maryam Zoweil (Director of Data Analytics), Timothy Sabau (Former VP of Education and CHRO at YIP), Jaden Wu, Collin Wang and Jahnavi Rao (From the New Voters Research Network). 

We couldn't be prouder to see the incredible work that went into this study! This peer-reviewed research is a testament to what can happen when youth voices take the lead in addressing complex societal challenges. Our collaboration with the New Voters Research Network underscores a shared belief: thoughtful dialogue is essential for tackling polarization and empowering the next generation to engage meaningfully in civic life. It’s not just about talking—it’s about listening, understanding, and building bridges across differences. A heartfelt THANK YOU to the brilliant minds behind this study—Isabel Epistelomogi, Maryam Zoweil, Timothy Sabau, Collin Wang, Jaden Wu, and Jahnavi Rao—for your dedication and commitment. Your work embodies the spirit of youth-led innovation and change. Curious to learn more? Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/eumfcC9Y Together, we are proving that youth-led research and civics education can shape a brighter, more unified future. Let's keep the momentum going! 🚀 #YouthLeadership #CivicEngagement #ResearchInAction #YIP

After over two years of effort, I am so excited to announce that my first peer-reviewed study is finally out!!! Our study "The Impact of Discourse-Based Learning on Student Civic Engagement, Polarization, and Topic Comprehension" is out *now* in the Journal of Advanced Research in Social Sciences! Check out our study here: https://lnkd.in/gdK7CB7q Motivated by our own personal experiences in civics and seeing polarization in our communities, we studied how 36+ students engaging in debate and discourse about polarizing topics impact their depolarization, civic engagement, and topic comprehension levels. We found quantifiable positive effects in promoting depolarization, civic engagement, and topic comprehension levels. A huge thank you and a shoutout to my co-authors: Maryam Zoweil, Timothy Sabau, Jaden Wu, Collin Wang, and Jahnavi Rao! I am so proud of this important research collaboration between the Institute for Youth in Policy's Education Department and the New Voters Research Network, amplifying our youth voices and research together. Check it out, and let us know what you think! 🙌🏼

I am so excited to share that Isabel Epistelomogi, Mollie Guba, and I will be presenting at #SXSWEDU this March! Thank you to our incredible team at the Institute for Youth in Policy and all who voted for our proposal! We could not have done it without your support! Our workshop, "Civics By Students, For Students: Depolarizing via Discourse," will be featured in the 2025 program, which includes 210 sessions addressing everything from investing in teachers to centering student-led approaches. During the event, we will engage our audience through a series of interactive activities to promote our student-designed, discourse-based civics curriculum aimed at tackling political polarization in classrooms. Last year, I attended SXSW EDU and was inspired by the educators, entrepreneurs, and creatives collaborating to improve how youth learn. However, I saw an exciting opportunity to elevate youth voices as leaders in these conversations. Co-presenting this session as a youth-led organization is part of a larger effort to make SXSW EDU a truly intergenerational platform — one where people of all ages can co-create solutions to educational challenges. To learn more about this year's lineup and our session, check out this link: https://lnkd.in/g4eNEeQ4 We are so excited to share our research and collaborate with changemakers in the field!

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be at SXSW EDU 2025! Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to SXSW for this opportunity! Congratulations to Mollie Guba, Isabel Epistelomogi, and Maryam Zoweil for having their workshop, ‘Civics By Students, For Students: Depolarizing via Discourse,’ accepted out of over 1,400 entries. Their proposal was selected through a rigorous process, with over 43,000 votes cast by community members, the advisory board, and staff. SXSW EDU is one of the largest education conferences in the world, bringing together bright minds in education for this prestigious annual event, and we couldn’t be more excited to have YIP represented! https://lnkd.in/geNZ7KHd

Our CEO, Paul Kramer, is hiring a paid Chief of Staff at YIP! If you’re up for the challenge of working side-by-side with a fast-moving executive team, juggling strategic projects, and making an impact in civic engagement and social innovation, this could be the role for you. What’s in it for you? – Lead initiatives that align with our mission to empower young people through policy and civic leadership – Get real-world experience in development, operations, and strategic planning – Make a difference, build a killer resume, and work with some of the most talented changemakers out there 🎓 Open to high school & college students 🕒 Part-time (~15 hrs/week) If you’ve ever wanted to help run an organization that’s shaping the future of policy, apply now! 📧 Send your resume (and optional cover letter) to paul@yipinstitute.org with [CoS Application] in the subject line. Come help us make change—and have fun while you’re at it!

YIP is presenting at U.S. Media Literacy Week 2024 hosted by NAMLE! Date: Saturday, October 5th, 2024 Time: 11:45 AM ET Registration: Anyone who has registered for Media Literacy Week will have access to attending this showcase. If you have colleagues or friends who are interested in attending, please point them toward this registration form (https://lnkd.in/gvhdXkWS). Registration is completely free!

Workshop Alert! YIP is excited to present a much-anticipated collaboration workshop with DemocraShe, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women to become future elected leaders. Attend this workshop to gain valuable insights into popular topics like voter outreach, registration, and more, shared by a range of expert panelists. 📅 - Tuesday, September 17th 🕒 - 8 PM EST Register now via the QR code on the flyer or through this link: https://lnkd.in/g84KZEpR

Internship applications close tomorrow! Want to join YIP's dynamic team? We offer a variety of positions, from impact to corporate, giving high school and undergraduate students the chance to make meaningful contributions at every level. Apply now by visiting yipinstitute.org!

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Hello everyone! As the fall season approaches, it’s not only back-to-school season, but also time for Institute for Youth in Policy's annual Journal of Policy Analysis publication! The deadline to sign up is 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒. Shortly after, we will choose 6 authors in total to be featured in this journal. Out of the 6 slots, we will choose 𝗼𝗻𝗲 external submission from someone not in YIP to participate. The requirements for each submission are: • 20 Typed Pages (including footnotes/bibliography). • Double space, Size 12, Times New Roman. • The paper can cover various policy topics (economic policy, criminal justice, environmental policy, etc.) You will NOT be expected to have said paper by September 2; the deadline for that will be discussed with the chosen individuals. By signing up for this, you will gain: • Valuable experience in policy research and writing that will stand out on college applications. • A publication credit with a reputable journal to bolster your resume and LinkedIn profile. • The opportunity to work closely with experienced editors and mentors to refine your analytical skills. • The chance to contribute to meaningful policy discussions and influence future policymakers. • Exposure to a wide readership, allowing you to highlight the journal's reach and impact on your resume or college applications. • The chance to have your work seen by professionals and academics in the policy field, which can lead to networking opportunities and potential references. It should also be noted that if you are chosen as an author, you will be expected to commit to the role and maintain communication over the following months as the manuscript is being drafted into the final product. Don’t hesitate to sign up and reshare this amazing opportunity with all your connections! In the meantime, check out YIP’s past journals and support these fellow authors and their excellent work! https://lnkd.in/eQsibYje https://lnkd.in/egpPRwHn