For Students: Make History. Lead Change.
Take the lead in uncovering the untold stories of your community.
Civil Rights History America is a national, student-led program that empowers high school students to research, document, and share stories of civil rights sites in their city or state. As a Chapter President, you’ll represent your school in a nationwide movement to preserve local history and inspire others through storytelling.
What You’ll Do
When you start a Civil Rights History America chapter, you’ll take on a leadership role that makes a real impact — both in your school and on your college applications.
Each student leader will:
- Launch a chapter at your high school and recruit members
- Research a local civil rights site or event, using primary sources and interviews
- Create a short audio story that brings that history to life
- Present your work by teaching one class or giving a talk at your school (or a nearby one)
- Collaborate monthly with students from across the country through virtual meetings
You’ll spend about 5–8 hours per month from October through May working on your project, with all materials and guidance provided.
Why Join
Becoming a Civil Rights History America Chapter President is about more than just learning history — it’s about leading. You’ll gain:
- Leadership experience by running a student organization
- Research and communication skills through hands-on storytelling
- Community impact by sharing overlooked local history
- A standout project for your college applications
“We’re building a national network of students who care about justice, storytelling, and community — and who want to make history themselves.”
— Logan Dorton, National Student Director
How to Start a Chapter
Step 1: Apply Online
Complete the short application form at civilrightshistoryamerica.ai to become a Chapter President. You’ll share your school info, interests, and a short paragraph on why you want to lead.
Step 2: Get Accepted and Onboarded
Once accepted, you’ll receive a Student Guide, access to our national Slack community, and an invite to the first virtual orientation call in October.
Step 3: Build Your Team
Invite classmates or friends to join your chapter. You’ll choose a local civil rights site or story to research together.
Step 4: Research & Create
Use our templates to research, record, and edit your story. You can use interviews, photos, or primary documents — and we’ll help you turn your research into a compelling audio segment for our national app.
Step 5: Share What You’ve Learned
You’ll teach one class or presentation at your school (or another local school) to share your story and raise awareness of civil rights history in your community.
What You’ll Get
- Recognition as an official Chapter President in your state
- Publication of your story on the Civil Rights History America app
- Certificate of completion and letter of recommendation (upon request)
- The chance to connect with a nationwide network of student leaders
Who Can Apply
- You’re a high school sophomore (Class of 2028)
- You’re passionate about history, justice, or storytelling
- You can dedicate 5–8 hours per month during the school year
Ready to Lead?
Join a national network of students uncovering the stories that shaped our country — and shaping the future by telling them.
