Speak Up! Speak Out!
Speak Up! Speak Out! is an innovative civic education program for high school students designed to teach young people about their communities and discover the many ways they can make a difference. Participating high school classes work together as a team to identify community problems, craft innovative solutions that address them, and present their findings to community leaders. Students present their findings and solutions to local community leaders at the annual Civics Fair held during the spring semester on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Now in its sixth year, nearly 600 students have participated from 10 schools across Texas.
“I learned that some of the small things in life that are easy to ignore and pass up can make a difference in someone else’s life. When people get together, they can change anything.” Garret M. Pooley, student Highlands High School
“I really enjoyed the experience of helping out the community. The project helped me understand that helping others can be fun.” Kevin Collier, student Highlands High School
“They really had a passion for these issues. It really makes you feel great about what they can do when they put their minds to it.” SUSO judge, Press Secretary for Kinky Friedman
