By Tom McClimon
July 12, 2004

The Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University released a study on ways to involve young people in public. The study was done as part of the "Summer in the City" program between the Conference of Mayors and the Institute of Politics. The "Summer in the City" program has young people each summer to do city halls internships.

The study supports the findings of a previous study released by the Institute of Politics on youth involvement in politics.

"Students want to participate in the political process" stated Institute of Politics executive director Catherine McLaughlin who addressed the mayors. "Sixty-five percent or the students polled participate in community service and a similar number want to pay attention or be involved in the political process.

Several key themes emerged in the report; first, the importance of direct mayoral interaction with young people as a means of inspiring them to political engagement; second the need to provide those youth who participate in city programs with meaningful responsibilities; and third, the need to emphasize programs that engage a broad swath of the community.

Copies of the report are available by contacting Harvard's Institute of Politics at: www.iop.harvard.edu