In this episode, Dr. Tara Bartlett details School Participatory Budgeting (SPB) as a transformative democratic process where students decide how a portion of their school’s public budget is spent. Originating in the US in Arizona, this initiative provides students with tangible experience in civic decision-making, moving beyond theoretical education. The process is designed to be inclusive, intentionally engaging students who are not the “usual suspects” in leadership to build their agency and confidence. By taking part in needs assessments, proposal development, and voting, students develop critical 21st-century skills like budgeting, collaboration, and civil discourse. Dr. Bartlett emphasizes that SPB functions as a real-world application of democratic principles, demonstrating to young people that their participation can lead to meaningful improvements in their communities and foster a culture of active, engaged citizenship.

The practical impact of School Participatory Budgeting extends far beyond the allocation of funds; it cultivates a deep sense of social justice and civic responsibility among students. Dr. Bartlett shares powerful examples, including elementary students advocating for ADA-accessible playground equipment and high school students successfully lobbying to remove a vendor using prison labor from the district’s approved list. The process also creates direct pathways to wider civic life by partnering with local agencies to register eligible students to vote during SPB election days. This connection between school-level action and formal democratic participation is key. By involving students, parents, and educators, SPB strengthens the entire school ecosystem, breaking down silos and proving that collective, democratic engagement can create more equitable and responsive institutions.

This episode is hosted by Dr. Kamille Beye. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com

If you are curious about School Participatory Budgeting (SPB), check out her new book, 'Educating for Democracy' and visit the Center for the Future of Arizona's website linked below.

• Schugurensky, D., & Bartlett, T. (Eds.). (2024). Educating for Democracy: The Case for Participatory Budgeting in Schools. Edward Elgar Publishing.
• The Center for the Future of Arizona

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