Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Teachers, from all of us at the Committee of Seventy and the rest of our partners through the PA Civics coalition, we are incredibly grateful for the work you do.

At the 2024 PA Civics Educator Forum, Allentown teacher Shannon Salter provided our keynote address. She puts words to the often underappreciated value of teachers. The final two minutes of her talk demonstrate that no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, there is a place for teachers to model for students in a nonpartisan way how to be engaged community members.

We appreciate all that you do for our Commonwealth!

Mock Election Ballots Are Ready

So far, there are over 1,800 students from 23 schools across the state who have signed up for the PA Youth Mock Election. Ballots are finally ready to go in most counties. We invite your students to join in voting for some of the lesser known but just as important offices this May.

Sign up to receive your local ballot. C70 will send special instructions and a link to your custom voting materials. Classes can vote right up to Election Day on May 20th, but the sooner you request, the more time we have to get you your resources!

Summer Jawn 2025: Creative Internship Opportunity

Do you know a high school or college student looking to make a difference and get paid for sharing their voice? #VoteThatJawn is excited to announce Summer Jawn 2025—a unique, paid internship experience tailored for young creatives who are passionate about making a positive impact.



Vote That Jawn is hiring for:

• 2 Youth Leaders (ages 18–22) – $4,000 stipend
• 10 Summer Interns – $1,800 stipend

Apply Here by Friday, May 9

Summer Jawn is a space for Philly youth to speak up, share their stories, and explore how art and voting intersect. From spoken word to social content, you’ll be part of a team creating meaningful work that will be shared at community events, across social media, and even in statewide civic education programs.

Let's Talk, a program from the National Liberty Museum

The National Liberty Museum invites you to celebrate the opening weekend of their newest exhibition, Let’s Talk: Confronting What Divides Us, at their Community Open House – an inspiring day for artists, families, educators, and curious minds of all ages.

Engage your creativity through art-making activities led by artists featured in their exhibitions or at their Creation Station with design-your-own buttons and a themed photo booth. Participate in thoughtful workshops with community partners and discover the power of conversation. With pay-what-you-wish admission and programs for all ages and interests, it’s the perfect chance to create, connect, and celebrate the power of community.

The event is open on Saturday, May 17th from 10a-5p.

Courtroom to Classroom

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission has launched a statewide initiative to engage K–12 students in learning about the judicial system through creative activities. The Courtroom to Classroom program includes contests and projects designed to make civics education fun and accessible. Activities include a drawing contest for grades K–5, essay contests for grades 3–12, an infographic contest for middle and high schoolers, a video project open to all grade levels, the “Flat Judge” project for younger students, and a social media campaign for older students. Submissions can be made online via social media, by email, or by mail, with selected winners receiving official recognition from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The initiative aims to inspire informed, engaged citizens by helping students understand the importance of the judicial branch. More details are available at www.pacourts.us/civics-ed.