Jerry Chang: Youth in Democracy - Building the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

Youth in Democracy: Building the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

Insights from Cal State East Bay’s Youth in Democracy Grant

Jerry Chang’s presentation, “Youth in Democracy: Building the Next Generation of Civic Leaders,” begins with an introduction to his background, his connection to Castro Valley, and Cal State East Bay’s commitment to civic engagement, followed by an explanation of the purpose behind the Youth in Democracy grant. He then explores why youth engagement is essential, highlighting current trends in civic participation, the barriers young people face, and the long‑term impact of early involvement in democratic processes.

Jerry describes the structure and goals of the grant, the partnerships that support it, and the ways it fosters leadership development and hands‑on civic learning. He shares examples of program activities, student‑led initiatives, and key outcomes drawn from Cal State East Bay’s evaluation work. From there, he reflects on lessons learned, including what motivates young people, which strategies are most effective, and why relevance and representation matter. Jerry also outlines opportunities for community organizations—especially Rotary—to support youth civic engagement through mentorship, collaboration, and sustained leadership pathways. He concludes with thoughts on the future of youth participation in democracy and opens the floor for questions.