Public Policy

_{In order to empower Chavez scholars to create a more just, free, and equal world, our Public Policy Program is designed to develop the key skills necessary to being an effective change agent: researching, writing, presenting, and advocating.These skills are developed through a Public Policy Framework in which students develop their understanding during classroom instruction, take action through experiential projects, and ultimately develop a belief in themselves to affect change.}

_{ADVOCACY PROJECTS}

_{Advocacy Projects take place at every grade level of a student’s Chavez experience and are designed to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to the real world. In the past, advocacy projects have included 6th grade City Council Day and 7th grade Hill Day, to name a few.}

_{COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECT (CAP) / CAPSTONE}

_{At the end of the 9th and 10th grade years, scholars analyze a local or international public problem, propose a solution and advocate for change. This full-time, 2-week course, employs experiential learning, service learning, and develops activism skills in students.}

_FELLOWSHIP

_{At the end of the 11th grade year, scholars participate in a 2.5-week full-time academic internship, which provides an insider’s view into public policy and service oriented careers. In addition, students gain important professional skills including: resume writing, interviewing, networking, and more. Visit our Fellowship page to learn more.}

_{SENIOR THESIS}

_{By the 12th grade year, scholars have been fully immersed in the Chavez Public Policy curriculum and are ready to take on an even deeper and more independent project to increase their knowledge and understanding of policy issues. The Senior Thesis is the culminating project at Cesar Chavez PCS; scholars research a relevant public policy issue and write a 15-20 page research paper, which they present to public policy professionals and community members. The top three seniors are selected to showcase their work at the annual Cesar Chavez PCS’ Public Policy Symposium.}