Beckman Selected for iCivics’ Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship

Winona Cotter sophomore Erica Beckman was selected to participate in the 2023-24 iCivics’ Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship (ECYF). The fellowship kicked off in late August, moving into full-gear with the four day in-person symposium in Washington D.C. on September 28–October 1, 2023. During the symposium, Beckman collaborated with other members in the national cohort engaging with government institutions and historical landmarks, voicing opinions on public policy issues, and developing skills of citizenship and leadership. 

Beckman is one of 34 students selected for the iCivics Fellowship from a competitive process that saw nearly 350 applicants from multiple states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The yearlong fellowship helps students develop leadership and communications skills in collaboration with peers and experts in the field of civic education. Throughout the year, students research and explore how civic education can become more equitable for students across the United States, utilizing their own lived experiences to become ambassadors and shed light on how civic education can include student voices from every background. iCivics was founded in 2009 by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Beckman was introduced to the program by Cotter history teacher Sydney Bockelman. She is the daughter of Dean and Deb Beckman.