UNLV, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Clark County School District will partner this fall on a host of election-themed educational activities for K-12 and college students leading up to October’s presidential debate.
Leaders from the three agencies launched the partnership June 15 in the Paradise Elementary School library to a room full of students.
Nevada — both a battleground state and site for the final presidential debate — will be front and center in the political narrative throughout the year as presidential candidates debate issues here that will decide the election. The third and final presidential debate for the general election will be held at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center Oct. 19.
The event’s intense focus on Las Vegas provides an unmatched educational opportunity for students at all academic levels to experience hands-on activities about American history/government, political and policy debate, the election process, voter education, and related issues.
Standing against a backdrop of election-themed artwork, UNLV President Len Jessup, his Las Vegas Debate Committee co-chair Rossi Ralenkotter (LVCVA president/CEO), and CCSD Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky highlighted existing partnerships and unique elements being incorporated into lesson plans this fall:
Classroom Connections
? CCSD essay contests this fall, judged by community leaders, geared toward students in grade 4-12 with scholarships and other prizes on the line.
? Debate-themed lesson plans, including online “Join the Debates” curriculum through the Commission on Presidential Debates.
? UNLV courses in areas such as political science, history, and communication studies featuring an election/debate focus
Extracurricular Connections
? Debate watch parties at UNLV and CCSD school sites throughout debate season leading up to the Oct. 19 event at UNLV
? Collaborative activities between UNLV and CCSD debate teams, such as analytical commentary sessions during watch parties and classroom outreach
? Volunteer opportunities for students, including welcoming thousands of foreign dignitaries and other visitors to campus, providing technical support, and assisting media covering the debate
? Voter education activities at CCSD high schools and local colleges
? Collaboration with student government leaders and school personnel on community forums, online resource directories, and other election-themed activities
Las Vegas Presidential Debate community information, activities, and opportunities to get involved will be listed here. For UNLV campus-related debate information, activities, and academic initiatives, visit unlv.edu/2016debate.
