Youth Services

The Nebraska Capitol Forum Program, sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council and Secretary of State John Gale, provides an opportunity for Nebraska youth to discuss and study important global issues. Nebraska has been one of the states that sponsored this program almost from its inception. There were sixteen other states in 2006/2007 involved with the program. The project is designed and coordinated by Brown University of Providence, Rhode Island. In essence, juniors and seniors study a curriculum addressing Four Futures for America, from strong internationalism to strong isolationism.

Foreign policy questions, such as conflict in the Middle East, immigration trends, emerging democracies and nuclear nonproliferation, are as timely as the lead story in the nightly news. The situations in Iran and Iraq have made world problems and national security alarmingly real issues. Capitol Forum is now more relevant than ever for our youth as global issues have been brought to American shores.

In March Secretary of State John Gale and the Nebraska Humanities Council host an event at the State Capitol. Each classroom involved sends four or five students with their teacher to our State Capitol for a day of intense deliberation and consensus building on major issues such as immigration, world trade, environmental concerns, nuclear proliferation and terrorism and how those issues are addressed by each of the Four Futures.

As part of the program, the Governor and our Congressional delegation are invited to be involved. This year Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy met many of the students and gave opening remarks. U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel, Congressman Fortenberry of the 1st District and Congressman Smith from the 3rd District all answered student's questions via video conferencing from Washington, DC. Secretary of State John Gale offered opening remarks. It was an incredible opportunity for the students to personally interact with their political leadership.

We think this is an exceptional program and one that any junior or senior high student could benefit from. If you would like to learn more about the program offered in Nebraska, click here. If you are interested in enrolling your class, please feel free to print the application on the attached brochure and submit it. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Hamilton with the Nebraska Humanities Council at 402-474-2131, Ext 104 or Sharon Hambek in our office at 402-471-6044.

Click here to view 2007 Nebraska Capitol Forum Photos.

Click here to view 2006 Nebraska Capitol Forum Photos.

Click here to view 2007-2008 Nebraska Capitol Forum Workshop Photos