Congratulations to our Fall 2011 Civic Fair Winners:
First Place: College Recruitment - The Corpus Christi Challenge, Teacher: Sonia Noyola, Collegiate High School, Corpus Christi ISD
Second Place: Represent Me! Unequal Representation in High School Leadership, Teacher: Nicole Griffith, Austin High School, AISD
Third Place: Healthy Living Squad, Teacher: Martha Cason,  Garza Independence High School, AISD

Students set the Agenda

This civic education project encourages students to become active participants in their communities. The distinguishing element of Speak Up! Speak Out! is that the students are responsible for determining the issues that will be addressed and developing viable solutions.

Study, Solve, and Share

Over the course of the semester, classes research their communities, select a problem that interests and motivates them, and develop projects, proposals and/or solutions to present to the community. Students present their projects at a Civics Fair held near the end of the fall and spring semesters.

Creativity and Communication

Classes are encouraged to use their diverse talents, experiences, and ideas to develop their projects. This project is unique in that it strives to give SUSO participants the opportunity learn how young people can be active citizens and to create messages that will be heard by community leaders.

Frequently asked Questions

What types of problems do the teams study?
Classes are free to select whatever problem they feel most affects them, their neighbors, and/or the community. The goal is for students to learn about the community they most identify with and focus on local issues. Past projects have examined: traffic problems, bullying, dropout rates, teenage pregnancy rates, environmental issues, and graffiti.

What is the time commitment for SUSO?
The SUSO curriculum and projects are flexible. While there is not a set time limit for working on projects or using the lessons, students are expected to do thorough research and craft well thought-out solutions. Most participating classing work on their projects for several weeks during the fall or spring semester.

How does this differ from service learning?
Service learning focuses on individual volunteerism with non-profit organizations. SUSO works to develop specific skill sets necessary for successful citizenship including: research, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, team work, and organization. It is designed to give students a sense of efficacy and civic awareness while building useful life skills.

What is the role of a SUSO Mentor?
SUSO mentors are volunteers from local colleges and/or universities who assist teachers in implementing the SUSO project. They act as role models, coaches, and often, cheerleaders for their teams. Mentors are expected to commit to 1-2 hours per week. Schedules are arranged based upon the mentor's availability and the classroom teacher's schedule.

How can I help?
SUSO is designed to create a sense of energy and efficacy in its participants. We hope that parents and members of the community will choose to support SUSO participants as they seek out information about their community. You can do this by making us aware of important city events, providing links to community websites, or encouraging SUSO teams to share their ideas. More than anything SUSO teams want to know what people care about what they have to say. Attending the SUSO Civics Fair shows students that the community supports their efforts.

Is SUSO only in Austin?
SUSO can be found in schools in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Pflugerville, and Del Valle at this time. We hope to bring SUSO to many more communities across Texas.