We the People is available for elementary, middle school, and high school students. It can be taught through classroom instruction or extracurricular clubs.

The state competition in Olympia features many highlights for students, including:

• An address from state leaders, which have included chief justices of the Washington State Supreme Court and the Lieutenant Governor;
  
• Feedback from civic leaders from around the state;
  
• Free pizza lunch; and
  
• An opportunity to stand in the gallery of the Washington State Senate.
  

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We are excited to announce the 2024 Summer Institute for elementary, middle school, and high school teachers in Spokane! Participating teachers will receive a total of 52 hours of professional development, a free set of We the People textbooks, and a $500 stipend for completing program requirements. Teachers will receive complimentary accommodations, meals, and parking during the Summer Institute.

The 2024 Summer Institute for high school and middle school teachers will be held July 28 - August 2 at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane. For more information, click here. ​To apply, click here.

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The 2024 Summer Institute for elementary and middle school teachers will be held August 4-9 at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane. For more information, click here. To apply, click here.

Who Can Participate in We the People?

How Does Civics Education Washington State Help?

How Can I Get Involved? 

We the People Explanation

(Civic Education Washington State)

Examples of Student Hearings

Fun at the Capitol!

Local Media Coverage of We the People

We the People is a civics education program that covers the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States. Since its inception in 1987, more than 28 million students and 75,000 educators have participated in the We the People Program. Nationally, the program is coordinated by the Center for Civic Education, which partners with state organizations, like Civics Education Washington State.

We the People culminates in simulated congressional hearings, where teams of students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress. Teachers can invite community members (such as judges, elected officials, academics, and lawyers) to be on the panel in the classroom. In addition, students can participate in a state competition held on the Capitol Campus in Olympia or even the National Finals in the Washington, D.C. area!

Through the We the People program, students develop the skills needed to become effective and responsible citizens. Students develop a stronger understanding and willingness to use the democratic process to make decisions.

An Introduction to We the People (Parts 1 and 2)

(Center for Civic Education)

Civic Education Washington State provides complimentary training and clock hours for teachers and can also provide participating teachers with a complimentary set of classroom textbooks. We can also help to connect teachers with volunteers in the community.

Civics Education Washington State also puts on an annual state competition in Olympia. The winning team receives $15,000 toward participation in the National Finals in the Washington D.C. area.

What is We the People?