In order to have a healthy civic community, it is crucial that all segments of society have the knowledge, capacity, and confidence to engage in the political process. In assessing the data collected in preparation for this report, one nds the Hispanic community was less engaged than its non–Hispanic counterparts in nearly every signicant factor measured.

According to U.S. Census data, the Hispanic population is the largest minority group in the state (15.2%), as well as the fastest–growing segment of the population. Additionally, the median age of the Hispanic population is very young (26 years), and Hispanic students comprise 20% of all individuals in grades K–12. 17

The dire signicance of such a large portion of the population being disengaged from basic practices of democracy cannot be understated. At the same time, this detrimental situation offers an outstanding opportunity to improve the civic health of our community through hands–on civic education. The integration of hands–on civic curricula in our schools would give everyone, including Hispanic young people, comprising 20% of the K–12 student population, an opportunity to harness civic power in an unprecedented manner. Consequently, as members of the Hispanic community gain improved civic skills, confidence, and capacity to participate in civic affairs, it is statistically more likely that they will increase voter registration and turnout at the polls, making this demographic a force to be reckoned with. Lastly, when we as a society make it a priority to ensure that all members of our state and nation, regardless of education level, income, or other demographic signiers, have knowledge of how government works and how to affect government decision–making, our entire society benets.