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Hartwick Institute of Public Service Awarded Community Foundation Grant to Expand Youth Civic Engagement for America 250

The Hartwick Institute of Public Service has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Otsego County to launch a regional youth civic engagement initiative celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.

The grant will support the America 250 Youth Civic Engagement Initiative, a year-long, nonpartisan effort designed to educate, engage and empower young people across Otsego County to become active participants in American democracy. Through hands-on civic learning and leadership opportunities, the initiative will help students develop the knowledge, confidence and experience to participate in public life while celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“One of the best ways to celebrate 250 years of American democracy is to invest in the next generation of citizens and public leaders,” said Professor Laurel Elder, co-director of the Hartwick Institute of Public Service.

Hartwick College Professor Laurel Elder

“This grant allows us to meet young people where they are, equip them with the knowledge and confidence to participate in civic life, and inspire a lifelong commitment to public service and democratic engagement.”

Laurel Elder

Professor of Political Science & Co-director of the Hartwick Institute of Public Service

The initiative will bring together students from Hartwick College, SUNY Oneonta, Oneonta High School and other Otsego County high schools through a series of collaborative programs. Planned activities include regional voter registration drives, civic education events, a student-led candidate forum and a digital media competition encouraging students to create short videos about policy issues that matter to them and the importance of informed voting.

“Especially today, a rededication to civics education and a commitment to democracy are essential,” said Jeff Katz, executive director of the Community Foundation of Otsego County. “The Community Foundation has frequently partnered with the Hartwick Institute of Public Service in their great work and we’re happy to have provided a grant for this important program.”

The project builds upon the institute’s growing record of civic engagement throughout the region. During the 2025 election cycle, the institute registered more than 220 Hartwick students to vote, helping the College surpass 40 percent student voter registration and secure its first on-campus polling place. Building on that success over the coming year, the institute aims to register at least 300 new student voters across participating schools, host a youth-led candidate forum, engage dozens of student leaders in planning and outreach, and reach thousands of young people through student-created videos promoting civic engagement on social media.

For more information about Hartwick Institute of Public Service, visit the website.

July 15, 2026
Institute of Public Service, News Release

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