Story: Nebraska Humanities Council

The Nebraska Humanities Council partners with the Nebraska Secretary of State's office on Capitol Forum on America's Future, a program for high school students that increases awareness of global issues and encourages civic participation in our youth. Thousands of students from all across the state have been positively affected by Capitol Forum in the past twelve years. But one case from this past year stands out in particular.

In 2003, Tim Royers was a student involved in Capitol Forum, and a photo of him engaged in conversation with Secretary of State John Gale remains on our teacher recruitment brochure to this day. In 2009, Tim returned to Capitol Forum--this time as a Millard West high school teacher. We asked Tim what motivated him to become a Capitol Forum teacher after participating as a student, and his response was this:

"I think this is one of the best opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills in social studies and a great opportunity to discuss issues that are important to the entire nation. The ability to discuss differing views and gain perspective for other beliefs, even ones you disagree with, is a skill most students struggle to develop. Capitol Forum provides them with an opportunity to learn just that."